The price, the charging infrastructure, and the available driving range are the 3 biggest obstacles keeping people from purchasing electric vehicles EVs.
Consumers in the United States are ready to make the transition from filling their gas tanks to charging their electric vehicles. According to a survey conducted by Consumer Reports, one-third of all Americans are either “seriously considering” or “absolutely considering” purchasing an electric vehicle.
The University of Chicago conducted the poll over the internet and by phone, collecting data from over 8,000 interviewees, which is roughly representative of the adult population of the United States.
Associate director of sustainability policy at Consumer Reports Quinta Warren noted a “strong interest” in the advantages of EVs’ ownership, including lower commuting costs and a smaller carbon footprint. More than a third of respondents expressed serious concerns about the safety of electric vehicles, while fewer than a third indicated they would never consider purchasing one.
When asked what stops people from buying EVs, the vast majority of respondents mentioned safety. The majority of respondents (over 60%) are concerned with charging infrastructure, while just over half (55%) are worried about range.
Fear of running out of juice before reaching one of the United States’ 48,000 charging stations is a common concern among electric vehicle owners (The country has 150,000 fuel stations.)
According to international news, the Biden administration intends to install 500,000 EV charging stations around the country by 2030.
Nonetheless, the cost of the car was cited as a concern by 52% of respondents. The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt is the least expensive fully electric vehicle (EV) on the market at $26,595, but its competitors are raising their prices rapidly. The base price of a Tesla has increased to $46,990 from $38,190 in 2021, as reported by CNBC.
Except for the tyres, electric cars require little in the way of upkeep.
Warren noted that while the study “highlights several major concerns,” many of the “barriers” to owning a battery-electric vehicle EV can be overcome with enough practise and knowledge.
According to Protocol’s survey, nearly half of US adults have no idea of EVs’ incentives like tax refunds and charger installation subsidies.
There is rise in sales of of EVs
Assistant professor of marketing at Texas Tech University, Deidre Popovich, told CNN that as more electric vehicles (EVs) line up on roadways and park in garages, interest and demand would rise accordingly.
“Early adopters have a natural inclination to explore new things, and they ask questions to back up that inclination. On the other hand, late adopters “tend to ask inquiries in order to gather facts about why they should not attempt something new,” she remarked.
Although it cannot be denied that sales are on the rise, 158,689 new EV registrations in the United States during the first three months of 2022 is an impressive number. Art Raymond of the Deseret News noted that Tesla has been the market leader, with Kia, Ford, and Hyundai trailing far behind.
Consumer Reports’ survey of American consumers indicated that people’s level of interest in purchasing an EV was related to their prior exposure to EVs. According to the report, Consumer Reports’ associate director of auto testing Gabe Shenhar praised these vehicles for their “enjoyable to drive” qualities. He cited the vehicles’ “quick, silent acceleration” and “balanced handling,” both of which were made possible by the vehicles’ large, low-mounted battery. To sum up, “they are often quite a delight to drive,” he remarked.
To read our article about “Brazil’s electric vehicles get a massive $3bn subsidy” click here.
