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Less than a third of Australian drivers (32 per cent) choose ethanol blends and biofuels when filling up at the pump, despite more availability of the fuels across the country, according to AAMI research to be released today. The survey of 2503 Australians, conducted by Sweeney Research, also found that 43 per cent think ethanol blend and biofuels will have a negative effect on their car, up from 26 per cent in 2008.
However, only 14 per cent of drivers nationally say availability is the main barrier to using these petrol alternatives, down from 26 per cent in 2008.
Despite the negative attitudes to ethanol, motorists are adopting greener attitudes on the showroom floor, with more than half of drivers (54 per cent) saying they would consider environmental factors, such as air pollution rating or fuel efficiency, before buying a new car.
The survey comes as Holden this month released its new Commodore which runs on E85 fuel with 85 per cent ethanol blend and Caltex promised to increase its E85 stations to more than 100 across the country.
AAMI spokesman Mike Sopinski said the research, which would be released in their annual Green Home and Motoring Index report next week, showed a "green consciousness" developing among Australian drivers with two in five (41 per cent) actively adjusting their driving style to reduce fuel consumption; 61 per cent using their car only when necessary, 72 per cent regularly checking their tyre pressures, 49 per cent using the air conditioner sparingly and 75 per cent getting their car serviced regularly.
Greenfleet CEO Sara Gipton says there are many small changes motorists can make to reduce their environmental impact, such as avoiding harsh acceleration and braking, slowing down, travelling light and considering alternatives such as walking, public transport, carpooling or riding a bike.
