NICOSIA – With major automobile manufacturers turning toward phasing out production of vehicles using the internal combustion engine, drivers in Cyprus are keen to buy electric or hybrid versions now.

Some 85 percent said that was their pregerence, according to a suvey from the European Investment Bank (EIB)in a climate survey, wrote Kathimerini, a startling 70 percent more than those who still prefer a diesel or petrol-driven vehicle.

Some 51 percent want a hybrid that has the option to switch between electric and gasoline power, 10 percent higher than even in Greece which offers big subsidies for purchase of those kind of cars.

Some 34 percent of Cypriots want an all-electric car, slightly lower than 40 percent of those in Greece but the survey showing a big tilt to go electric and stop using petroleum fuel cars.

Cyprus’ Ministry of Transport said it has got 4,613 applications through Jan. 3 by private citizens and transportation professionals hoping to acquire an electric vehicle that is subsidized by the state, the paper wrote.

The government is putting up 8 million euros ($9.16 million) in a first subsidy phase, with 3,396 applicants vying to buy 360 electric cars in a program aimed at reducing the effect of carbon.

The national target is for 25 percent of new car registrations to be for electric vehicles by 2030 and 100 percent by 2035, a major push.