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Young, affluent drivers buy these cars

Electric vehicle buyers are younger and more affluent than drivers who purchase comparable gas-powered models.

Sales of battery-based vehicles have lagged well behind industry expectations, but there's a silver lining for manufacturers: Buyers of these vehicles are younger and more affluent than drivers who purchase comparable gas-powered models.

But for many drivers, going green wasn't the only reason to choose electric. According to research by auto data firm TrueCar.com, many electric vehicle buyers were attracted by the deals being offered by such manufacturers as Ford (F), General Motors (GM), Toyota (7203.T-JP) and Honda (7267.T-JP) as they try to build momentum in the category.

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Federal and state subsidies, which can amount to as much as $10,000, also play a role.

"EV buyers are affluent deal-seekers," said John Krafcik, president of TrueCar.