A recent study by consultant Bain & Co. claims there is a real market for electric cars. Apparently, those already driving expensive, fuel-based cars are becoming more aware of the environmental problems posed by their use.

The survey was carried out with the help of 4,000 individuals in eight countries, including the U.S., China, Japan and Germany, GlobalMotors reports. Among the findings, Bain reported that high-income (as in filthy rich) buyers are ready to buy 100 percent-electric vehicles as an alternative for short trips.

“Consumers would be buying now if there were products,” says Gregor Matthies, a Munich-based partner of Bain who specializes in the auto industry.

According to the study, people who already own luxury cars are particularly interested in buying other vehicles, since they have no financial constraints in doing so. Moreover, the same people seem to be environmentally more concerned and even want to spread the word about the impact fuel-based cars have on our planet. And you know who else is acting to protect the environment - Apple!

While this was not the reason for the subjects' surprising answer when asked “whom would you rather buy a car from: BMW or Apple?” the survey showed “strong brand loyalty and potential for new companies to enter the electric car race,” the same report says. Asked whether customers would buy a car from Apple, 21 % said YES in Europe, while 48 % said they would get one from BMW, whose business is actually making cars. The results were declared surprising (to say the least), since Apple has nothing to do with cars whatsoever. Nevertheless, it has been speculated numerous times that Apple would make great, environmentally-friendly rides, with some designers even conceptualizing the end-products.

The production costs of an electric car are still quite high, but given Apple's business model, it should fit it like a glove. Batteries are, of course the main issue, and Apple knows a bit about how to make those last longer, too. Gathering that speculation has reached a high-enough level, we'll let you give us your opinion about Apple making cars.