Two percent of Americans own an electric vehicle (EV), but 36% say they plan on or “are seriously considering” buying or leasing one. Another 35% “might consider” doing so, while 28% are firmly committed to not going electric.
That’s one conclusion from what Consumer Reports calls its “largest-ever nationally representative survey.”
CR polled 8,027 American adults about their thoughts on EVs. Notably, the poll was conducted between January 27 and February 18 of this year, ending less than a week before Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine triggered a worldwide spike in gas prices.
Other Key Findings:
Among CR’s findings:
- 44% of Americans had seen an EV in their neighborhood within the last month
- 17% of respondents had been a passenger in an EV, and 7% had driven one
- 46% of Americans had never heard that the federal government provides a tax rebate of up to $7,500 to those who purchase certain new EVs
- 53% said tax rebates or other discounts would encourage them to buy an EV
- Those who did not plan to purchase an EV cited three barriers preventing them from going electric – charging logistics (61%), worries about range (55%), and cost (52%)
Men, Younger Adults More Likely EV Fans
Demographics made a big difference in who was willing to consider buying an EV:
- Men were more likely than women
- Younger adults were more likely than older adults
- High-income households were more likely than lower-income households
- Americans with some higher education were more likely than those without
- Urban residents were more likely than suburban or rural residents
Many New EVs on The Way
Virtually every automaker has introduced an EV to the market this year or plans to introduce one within the next two years. Some, like Mercedes-Benz and Volvo, have pledged to replace their entire lineup with electric cars by the decade’s end. Others, like General Motors, plan a “mostly-electric” lineup.
Even Dodge, with its image tied to muscle cars and V8 engines, plans to show off an “electric muscle car” this summer.
As EVs become a more common sight, Americans may grow more welcoming of them. CR notes that those who have seen an electric vehicle in their neighborhood are more likely to consider buying one than those who have not.
