Many Americans reluctant to buy EVs despite Biden's push

Many Americans are still hesitant to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) despite President Joe Biden's push to increase EV sales. A new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago highlights the key concerns: high prices and a lack of charging infrastructure.

About 40% of U.S. adults are somewhat likely to consider an EV for their next purchase, while 46% remain skeptical. This mirrors last year's results, indicating that Biden's efforts face significant resistance from American drivers. Currently, only 13% of U.S. households own or lease a gas-hybrid vehicle, and just 9% have an EV.

Caleb Jud from Cincinnati is considering a plug-in hybrid over a full EV due to concerns about winter performance. He says, "The thought of getting stuck in the driveway with an EV that won't run is worrisome." Freezing temperatures can deplete EV battery power, reducing driving range.

The Environmental Protection Agency's new rule requires 56% of all new vehicle sales to be electric by 2032, along with 13% plug-in hybrids. Auto companies are investing heavily in battery technology and factories to meet these goals and reduce pollution.

Younger adults are more open to EVs, with over 50% of those under 45 considering an EV purchase, compared to 32% of those over 45. However, only 21% of all adults are very or extremely likely to buy an EV next, with many citing high costs and practical concerns.

Range anxiety remains a significant issue, with about half of the respondents worried about the limited range of EVs and the scarcity of charging stations. This leads some to prefer hybrids, which offer the flexibility of a gas engine when the battery is low.

Jose Valdez from San Antonio, who owns three EVs including a new Mustang Mach-E, believes EVs are worth the investment. "People think they cost an arm and a leg, but once they experience driving an EV, they'll have a different mindset," he says. Valdez enjoys the quiet ride and lower maintenance costs, having installed a home charger for under $700.

In rural areas, the lack of charging infrastructure is a major deterrent, with half of the rural respondents citing it as a primary reason for not purchasing an EV. Daphne Boyd from Ocala, Florida, remains skeptical about the environmental benefits of EVs, highlighting the mining practices for battery materials.

Ruth Mitchell from Eureka Springs, Arkansas, praises her 2017 Chevy Volt, a plug-in hybrid. "It's wonderful — quiet, great pickup, cheap to drive," she says, noting several public chargers near her home. Although not in the market for a new car, she plans to go fully electric when she is.

The AP-NORC poll, conducted from March 26 to April 10, 2024, surveyed 6,265 adults with a margin of error of plus or minus 1.7 percentage points. It reflects the ongoing challenges and perceptions around EV adoption in the U.S.

Credit: Autoblog