WionDrive News Desk 
Despite government efforts to boost electric vehicle (EV) adoption, many Americans remain hesitant about purchasing an EV for their next car, according to a new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago. The high prices of EVs and the lack of easily accessible charging stations are major deterrents.
Only around 4 in 10 U.S. adults say they would be at least somewhat likely to buy an EV for their next car purchase, while 46 per cent indicate they are not too likely or not at all likely to do so. The results, consistent with a previous AP-NORC poll from last year, suggest that President Joe Biden’s goal of significantly increasing EV sales faces resistance from American drivers. Currently, just 13% of U.S. adults own or lease a gas-hybrid car, and only 9 per cent own or lease a fully electric vehicle.
Range anxiety – the fear of running out of battery charge and getting stranded – remains a major concern for about half of U.S. adults when considering an EV purchase. Around 4 in 10 cite the long charging times and the lack of nearby public charging stations as significant drawbacks.
Cost is another widespread concern, with nearly 6 in 10 adults citing it as a major reason for not purchasing an EV. While EV prices have been declining, the average price for a new EV in February was still higher than the average price for all new vehicles.
Younger adults under 45 are more open to considering an EV purchase than those over 45. However, only 21 per cent of U.S. adults say they are “very” or “extremely” likely to buy an EV for their next car.
Rural residents are particularly concerned about the lack of charging infrastructure, with about half citing it as a major factor in not buying an EV, compared to 4 in 10 of those living in urban communities.
While some EV owners rave about the quiet ride, cost savings, and environmental benefits, others remain skeptical about the technology’s readiness and practicality, citing concerns about battery manufacturing, tire wear, and overall efficiency.
