A recent Gallup poll conducted in March showed a decrease in the number of Americans seriously considering or might consider purchasing an electric vehicle (EV), with only 44% of respondents indicating interest compared to 55% the previous year. Despite President Biden’s efforts to promote greater EV ownership, just 9% of respondents reported that they are seriously considering buying an EV. The market for EV ownership in the U.S. remains limited, with approximately one in six Americans currently owning one or considering purchasing one, according to Gallup analyst Jeffrey Jones.
The Gallup poll revealed significant disparities in EV interest based on income, age, and political ideology. Americans earning over $100,000 per year were more likely to own or consider purchasing an EV (59%) compared to middle-income (56%) and lower-income individuals (39%). Younger Americans were more open to EV ownership, with 62% of those aged 18 to 29 expressing interest, while only 63% of respondents aged 65 and older said they would not buy an EV. Additionally, 73% of Democrats reported owning or considering an EV, while 69% of Republicans indicated they would not buy one.
The Biden administration recently finalized aggressive tailpipe emissions regulations to incentivize a larger scale increase in EV manufacturing and ownership, with a goal of ensuring that 50% of all U.S. car sales are electric by 2030. However, these regulations have faced criticism from oil producers and petroleum refiners who argue that they will effectively eliminate most new gas cars from the market within a decade. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation reported that 9.5% of new, light-duty vehicle sales were EVs in 2023, up from 7% in 2022 and 4.3% in 2021, while EVs continue to be more expensive than traditional gas-powered cars.
Despite the skepticism expressed in the Gallup poll and criticism from industry groups, proponents of EVs point to examples like California, where aggressive EV mandates have led to increased zero-emission vehicle sales. Daniel Villaseñor, a spokesperson for California Gov. Gavin Newsom, highlighted the high number of zero-emission car sales in California and the state’s goal of achieving 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035. Villaseñor emphasized that sales in California have continued to increase significantly, demonstrating consumer interest in EVs and the state’s commitment to sustainability.
While the White House did not respond to a request for comment on the Gallup poll findings, the data indicates a mixed response from Americans regarding EV ownership. The survey highlights the need for continued efforts to address concerns, bridge disparities based on income, age, and political affiliation, and promote the benefits of electric vehicles. As the automotive industry continues to evolve and shift toward cleaner energy sources, it will be essential to consider various factors influencing consumer decisions and preferences related to EVs.
