As promised, more on China's affection with plug-ins, 79 percent believe EVs wil dominate soon

As we mentioned earlier this week, Chinese buyers are more likely to consider plug-in vehicles for their next purchase than any other surveyed nation. Here is some more info regarding the Chinese response to the survey conducted by Ernst & Young:

• 88 percent of respondents claimed that saving fuel was a leading factor for considering plug-ins
• 82 percent said the environmental impact was influential in their decision
• 69 percent listed safety as a top priority
• 79 percent believe that EVs will outnumber gasoline vehicle in under 20 years

We were a bit skeptical of China's place at the top of the results at first, but details within the rest of the survey and some insight gleaned from comments, pointed us towards a conclusion: it seems only fitting that China tops the charts. Why? Well, first off, the Chinese have extensive first-hand experience with battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs) thanks to the scooters that are a primary means of transportation for millions. Second, there's a very short automotive past in China and, for many Chinese, a plug-in may be the first vehicle they've ever bought. Here in the U.S., we're used to gas vehicles and many people are resistant to change. We've piloted gasoline vehicles seemingly forever and our trust in the technology is carved in stone for many. It's inconceivable that we would just immediately drop a technology that has served us well for decades and move to something unproven. But, over in China, where most people have, at most, a few years' experience with gasoline vehicles, switching over to electric is not about breaking away from something they are familiar with, it's about making an economical choice that will benefit a smog-filled nation. If only it were that simple here.

[Source: Ernst & Young]