While 2023 was a banner year for electric vehicles (EVs) sales, industry headlines in 2024 depicted a much more cautious outlook regarding EV adoption.
To explore consumers’ opinions and concerns about EVs, Verra Mobility polled 2,000 Americans aged 25 and older about their plans to purchase or rent an EV as well as their perceptions on charging, maintenance and safety. This is the second year that Verra Mobility has checked the pulse of Americans’ perceptions toward electric vehicles.
Interestingly, the 47% of respondents said they plan to purchase an EV in the next 5 years, with 21% planning an EV purchase in the next 1-2 years.
Only 7% of survey takers said they currently own an EV.
Highlights from our survey include:
- 70% of Americans would consider renting an EV as a way to ‘try before they buy’ if they were considering a vehicle purchase.
- 73% of respondents would not know how to charge an EV rental car if they rented one today.
- 63% expect maintenance costs to be higher with EVs than with gas-powered vehicles.
- 42% believe their chances of needing roadside assistance are higher with an EV vs gas-powered vehicle.
“Although there have been market indications that EV adoption rates are slowing down, our analysis indicates steady, albeit more cautious adoption and interest,” said Steve Lalla, executive
vice president of Commercial Services at Verra Mobility.
