As global automotive OEMs continue on their largest transition in history to electric vehicles (EVs), demand and interest in the vehicles is increasing simultaneously.
Backing this up is a recent study from global market research firm The Harris Poll and Vietnamese EV maker VinFast that show U.S. drivers are very interested in making an EV their next purchase or lease.
While only one in 10 U.S. drivers currently drive an EV, interest in the vehicles has doubled every year. A survey by AAA last year found that 25% of U.S. drivers would likely buy an EV for their next auto purchase. The poll from Harris and VinFast found that 54% of current gasoline drivers would be interested in an EV for their next purchase.
Additionally, the survey found that 84% of current EV drivers would be interested in once again purchasing or leasing an EV for the next vehicle.
Other interesting findings of the survey include:
- Drivers would likely buy or lease a new automotive brand, especially if it had certain features they want.
- Drivers want more storage.
- Drivers want more colors and body styles.
- Warrant length is important.
Affordability and charging are top concerns
Much like other surveys and data, including a recent one from J.D. Power suggesting public charging needs to be improved or it will hinder EV demand adoption, The Harris Poll survey found drivers are concerned about EV charging, particularly the number of chargers available.
Cost is also the highest concern when it comes to adoption of an EV. In fact, The Harris Poll found that affordability is one of the main reasons that a driver did not purchase or lease an EV in the past. However, 62% of those surveyed said if they saved money on gas, EV adoption would be more appealing.
Gen Z and Millennials more interested
The Harris Poll found that those aged 18 to 44 were more than likely to be interested in purchasing or leasing an EV for their next vehicle.
Of these drivers, safety was at the top of list of features that would be the most important when adopting an EV. Technologies such as autonomous driving capabilities or advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) were also very important to Gen Z and Millennials.
About the survey
The survey was conducted in July of this year among more than 1,800 drivers who were 18 or older. Of these, 1,587 were gasoline-powered vehicle owners and 146 were EV owners.
