They've been touted as a boon for the environment and easy on gas, but Manitobans aren't embracing hybrid cars.

Out of 500,000 passenger cars registered in the province, only 2,100 are hybrids, Manitoba Public Insurance said Tuesday.

In comparison with countries like Japan, that's low, said Arne Elias of the Centre for Sustainable Transportation. He said one in 10 Japanese drivers choose a hybrid car.

Elias said he thinks lack of variety in the types of hybrids offered to Canadian consumers is keeping demand for the cars low.

He added the higher price tag charged for the 'greener' vehicles by manufacturers also deters people when they weigh the potential fuel savings.

"Canadians typically buy compact and sub-compact vehicles, so if they're to go to a hybrid it's a two to three thousand extra dollar cost to get 15 to 25 per cent extra fuel mileage," Elias said.

For Manitobans, it's also a lifestyle issue, he added.

"You've got to remember, a lot of people want that car to run in the country up to the cottage — that's not what hybrids do best," Elias said.