Charging Forward

48% of Americans Are Now Seeking an EV or Plug-in Hybrid

A new global survey has emerged from Ernst & Young revealing that nearly half of US car buyers intend to purchase an electric vehicle, which is up 19% from 29% in the 2022 EY MCI. Seeking to pinpoint shifts in travel patterns and mobility, it tapped 15,000 consumers from 20 countries and identified several factors influencing the decision-making process of these car buyers. Here’s what’s driving the demand.

• 1. Desire for upgraded features. People are seeking the latest technologies and amenities to enhance their driving experience and make their journeys more comfortable and convenient.
• 2. The need for reliable transportation. Many car buyers are looking to replace their aging vehicles, which may be causing them more frequent trips to the mechanic or becoming less dependable overall. Reliability is key for folks who heavily rely on their cars for daily commuting or other purposes.
• 3. The need to go green. Environmental considerations are also playing a significant role in the decision-making process for a huge portion of potential car buyers. People are becoming more conscious of their carbon footprint and are actively seeking vehicles that offer better fuel efficiency and emit fewer harmful emissions.

The numbers look rosy, but there’s still concerns

As public concerns over carbon increase, it’s not surprising that more people are leaning in on electric. There are things, however, giving them pause. The survey found that 51% of Americans worry more about finding a charging station than about charging costs, and 57% are freaked out about fires at home. 

Despite these perceived barriers, EY predicts that the 2 million EVs on US roads today will grow to 82 million 2035. This massive increase will be driven by better infrastructure, enhanced vehicle performance and lifespans, and improved financial value. We’re hoping that lower costs for replacement batteries hit this list as well. 

In the meantime, it’s really exciting to see numbers like these start to hit the newswires! Here’s hoping the trend numbers keeps on climbing.