The survey of 23,000 EV drivers worldwide reveals a remarkable trend. A mere 1% of owners would return to petrol or diesel cars, while 4% would choose a plug-in hybrid. This indicates a strong preference for electric vehicles among drivers. The high satisfaction levels suggest that EVs are meeting the needs and expectations of consumers.
Furthermore, 92% of current EV owners plan to purchase another EV, highlighting the growing popularity and loyalty towards this technology. These findings are crucial in understanding the future of electric vehicles and the potential for continued growth.
While environmental concerns play a significant role in the adoption of electric vehicles, the survey also reveals that lower operating costs are a top motivation for buyers. This is an important factor for consumers when considering the purchase of an EV.
As stated by Ellen Hiep, board member of the Dutch Electric Vehicle Drivers Association, "This should serve as an eye-opener for policymakers worldwide. Making EVs more affordable is crucial for achieving the goal of reducing climate emissions from road transport." Policymakers need to take note of this and implement measures to make EVs more accessible to all.
Incentives have played a critical role in consumer decisions, as evidenced by a J.D. Powers study. Among premium brand EV owners, 64% cited incentives as a primary driver of their purchase or lease decision. Among mass market EV owners, 49% selected their vehicle based on tax credits and incentives.
Incentive programs have been highly effective in attracting consumers to electric vehicles. For example, 81% of Volkswagen buyers, 77% of Chevrolet buyers, and 72% of Tesla buyers cited incentives as the top reason for their purchase. In contrast, only 32% of Hyundai buyers, 24% of Kia buyers, and 21% of Toyota buyers considered incentives as a primary factor.
The incoming Trump administration's plan to end the $7,500 federal tax credit on EV purchases or leases poses a challenge to the growth of the electric vehicle market in the US. This could potentially impact consumer purchasing decisions and slow down the adoption of electric vehicles.
However, the strong demand and positive sentiment towards EVs among consumers suggest that other factors will also come into play. As the technology continues to improve and costs decrease, electric vehicles are likely to remain a viable option for consumers.