More than a quarter of Americans say they would not buy an electric vehicle (EV), according to a survey of Consumer Reports.
Price, autonomy and access to charging stations remain the main barriers to buying an electric vehicle. But Consumer Reports has identified a new factor: lack of education about EVs.
The survey of 8.027 adults found that: 14% would buy or rent an electric-only vehicle; 57% would consider buying or renting one; and 28% would never consider getting a purely electric vehicle. Age, income, and educational level were correlated with willingness to drive one.
According to the survey, lack of education about available tax incentives, environmental impact and how an EV works is a major factor in the adoption of such a vehicle. Nearly half of Americans (46%) have not heard of any incentives available to electric vehicle owners.
“We have questions about the transition to electric vehicles since many of us don't know about them,” said Dr. Quinta Warren, associate director of sustainability policy at Consumer Reports. “Expanding charging options and increasing incentives, combined with educational campaigns and getting more people to personally experience electric vehicles, can help drive adoption.”
When asked about their top three concerns about buying or leasing an EV, 61% of respondents said they were concerned about freight logistics, 55% said they would be concerned about the number of miles the vehicle before it needs to be charged, and 52% cited the costs involved with buying, owning, and maintaining an EV.