Most Americans are unlikely to purchase an electric vehicle (EV) as their next car; however, a small majority supports government incentives for those opting for electric vehicles, according to a recent Ipsos/Yahoo Finance survey.
The survey, based on what Ipsos described as a ‘nationally representative probability sample of 1,025 adults from the general population aged 18 and older,’ found that only 31% of Americans are likely to buy an electric vehicle as their next vehicle.
The likelihood of interest in electric vehicles varied based on various factors. For instance, those with college degrees were more likely to consider an electric vehicle than those with a high school diploma or less, at 47% and 18%, respectively. Additionally, 60% of respondents with annual incomes below $50,000 and 76% of those identifying as Republicans reported that it was unlikely for them to purchase an electric vehicle as their next car.
Age is another significant factor. Millennials (40%) and Gen Xers (33%) are much more likely to consider an electric vehicle than Baby Boomers (22%), according to the survey. This echoes the findings of previous surveys, where Baby Boomers were the generation most opposed to electric vehicles, while older and younger generations than them showed more interest in electric vehicles.
Despite divided opinions on electric vehicles, the survey found that Americans overall supported government policies encouraging electric vehicle adoption. Just over half (52%) said they supported ‘government incentive programs to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles,’ while 54% said they supported ‘government programs to reduce American dependence on fossil fuels.’
However, 61% of respondents also opposed restrictions on the sale of new gasoline cars. Apparently, Americans only want policies that reduce fossil fuel use and encourage electric vehicles to go so far.
Another study published earlier this year also found a marked division on gradually phasing out fossil fuels: 68% of Americans oppose it, and 31% support it. However, a 2021 study found that overall, Americans consider electric vehicles better for the environment, despite partisan divisions.
The results also suggest that electric vehicle enthusiasts may not have been keeping a close eye on the market lately. Of those considering an electric vehicle, 30% mentioned Toyota as their preferred brand, even though the automaker only has one electric model in its U.S. lineup. Toyota was followed by Tesla (23%), Honda (20%), General Motors (15%), and Ford (14%). It’s also unclear if consumers will actually go for an electric vehicle when faced with current prices. A Deloitte survey from early 2022 underscored that Americans won’t pay more for electrified vehicles.
Developing interest in electric vehicles may also depend on getting more people to try them. A 2020 survey found that 70% of Americans had never been inside an electric vehicle, leading to negative misconceptions about electric vehicles.
