Americans’ Views on Electric Vehicles and Gas Prices

Few Americans own an electric vehicle, more than a third say they are likely to purchase one

While just 8 percent of Americans say they own an EV, 40 percent say they are at least somewhat likely to purchase one. Forty-five percent of those who believe in climate change are at least somewhat likely to purchase an EV as their next vehicle—though climate change belief appears to play no role in current EV ownership. While Republicans and Democrats own electric vehicles at similar rates, twice as many Democrats say they are likely to purchase one compared to Republicans. Those under the age of 45, earning $100,000 or more a year, and living in urban and suburban areas are more likely to purchase an EV as their next vehicle. Americans in the West are more likely to purchase an EV (47 percent) than Americans from the Northeast (41 percent), Midwest (36 percent) and South (37 percent).

Saving money on gas remains the top reason why Americans say they would buy an EV

As gas prices continue to increase, more Americans—74 percent—say they would buy an EV to save money on gas—up from 68 percent last year. While saving money is a motivation, price is also a barrier. About 8 in 10 Americans across income brackets say the price of EVs is too high. Eighty-two percent of Democrats and 80 percent of Republicans agree on this. In fact, Democrats and Republicans also agree that they don’t know of enough charging stations nearby and there’s a lack of choice in EVs. Seventy-four percent of rural residents cite range as being a problem, as opposed to 67 percent of urban residents who said the same.

Half of Americans are cutting back on driving to save money on gas

While gas prices are a top reason why Americans say they would purchase an EV, the reality is that half of Americans are simply cutting back on driving altogether as prices continue to increase. Nearly half are finding ways to cut back on other household essentials. At the same time, just a third are changing or canceling their plans, and a quarter are turning to other forms of transportation like public transit or bicycles. Digging into income brackets reveals more. Those making less than $30,000 annually are more likely to use other forms of transportation compared to those making $60,000 or more annually. Seeking alternative forms of transportation is also more popular among Democrats compared with Republicans, younger people compared with those ages 45 and older, and those living in urban areas compared with those living in rural or suburban areas.

Americans are increasingly accepting of cheaper Chinese EVs

Despite first the Biden administration and now the Trump administration imposing tariffs to make Chinese EVs more expensive and stave off competition, the poll showed most Americans are growing more willing to buy one. In 2024, when told the Chinese version would be $500, $1,000, $2,000, $5,000 or even $10,000 cheaper than the American-made car, the majority still said they would pay more for the American car. But over two years, their commitment to American-made EVs dropped. That was especially the case when the differences between the American and Chinese EVs were just $500 or $1,000 in price. At the $1,000 price point, their willingness to buy the more expensive American EV dropped by 14 percentage points and at the $500 price point their willingness to buy dropped by 13 percentage points from 2024 to 2026. Democrats are more likely to buy the Chinese EV while Republicans are more likely to stick to the American-made one.