Hybrid Vehicles Face Resistance

by Erica Thane

A comprehensive study by the Department of Transportation found that the country's major providers of automotive fuel are hesitant to install battery-charging equipment in hybrid vehicles. It was found that owners of private service stations feel the same reluctance.

Data showed that cost was the most common reason given. — [1] —. A spokesperson for Bay Petroleum, one of the largest service station corporations in the country, said, “Hybrid vehicles haven't experienced the popularity here that they have had in other parts of the world. I don't think there is sufficient consumer demand for such a significant investment.”

In addition, the profit margins of charging stations are significantly lower than those of traditional fossil fuel stations throughout the country. — [2] —. However, many experts believe it is only a matter of time before hybrid vehicles become a more common consumer product. Although the rate at which hybrid vehicles are being sold is growing steadily, numbers are still low. — [3] —. In fact, only a modest 12 percent of gas stations nationwide have charging facilities for hybrids, and these are largely in major urban areas.