Americans continue to be open to purchasing electric vehicles, but are deterred by cost, range, charging capacity, and a lack of charging stations, according to a new survey from the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
Additionally, when given the option, most Americans report they would purchase a more expensive American-made vehicle over a cheaper one made in China.
Similar to 2023, about 6 in 10 Americans cite saving money on gas and vehicle maintenance as reasons to purchase an electric vehicle, along with reducing their personal impact on climate change. Most Americans across the political spectrum view climate change and energy policies as important issues in the 2024 election.
“Climate issues have topped the agenda for Democrats for a number of years, but this poll suggests generational change may increase the salience among Republicans as well,” said Jennifer Benz, deputy director of the AP-NORC Center. “Compared to older Republicans, the younger generation of the party is more likely to believe climate change is happening, that human factors are causing it, and to prioritize a clean energy industry in the U.S.”
Flipping the electric switch
Researchers found that reducing personal impact on climate change is a reason for purchasing an electric vehicle for 66% of adults. Financial considerations such as saving money on gas, saving money on vehicle maintenance, or receiving a tax break are also top factors.
The survey also found that groups more likely to already own an electric vehicle—such as younger and wealthier Americans, as well as those who say climate change is happening—are also more likely to consider purchasing an electric vehicle in the future.
However, cost and concerns about range and charge time top the list of reasons Americans would not purchase one. Despite recent investments in electric vehicle charging stations, two-thirds of Americans report they don’t know of charging stations nearby, regardless of where they live.
Attitudes around climate change
Similar to past years, the majority of Americans believe that climate change is happening, and that it’s caused mostly or entirely by human activity. There continues to be a partisan divide, with 93% of Democrats believing that climate change is happening compared to the 62% of Republicans. And among those who do say it’s happening, 67% of Democrats and 34% of Republicans say that it’s caused mostly or entirely by humans. Adults who have experienced extreme weather in their communities in the past year are also more likely to believe in climate change.
When it comes to specific climate and energy policies, more than half of Americans support regulations to limit emissions from power plants and vehicles and funding to states to help communities adapt. Democrats overwhelmingly support these policies, while the majority of Republicans—and to a lesser extent independents—don’t.
—Prof. Chuan He
