EV Consideration Climbs
Despite the slow electric-vehicle adoption rate in the U.S., 53% of drivers say they are more open to considering an EV than they were a year ago.
HERE Technologies and SBD Automotive released their fourth annual EV Index, which uses “a proprietary EV infrastructure ranking system with consumer survey insights for a comprehensive review of EV readiness.”
The survey found that, among non-EV drivers, 10% fewer intend to purchase a gas vehicle their next time to market compared to last year. Eight percent more would choose an electrified powertrain if price and specifications remained the same as last year. And 12% of respondents see no barriers to EV adoption, double last year’s rate.
The reasons behind the shift in sentiment are multifaceted. This year’s spike in fuel costs has played a big part, 57% of non-EV drivers saying gas prices influenced their interest in EVs.
EV charging improvements are also making a big impact. According to the survey, charging availability and driving range are still top concerns, but the rate of concern declined by 14% and 15%, respectively, year-over-year.
The index’s data showed that 31,600 public charging points since were added in the U.S. last year, or 13% of what’s currently available. Total charging power increased from 14.1 gigawatts to 20.7. That contributed to an increase in positive perception of public charging availability, which jumped from 28% to 47%.
JD Power found similar results in its 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience Public Charging Study, which put satisfaction with direct-current fast chargers up 12 points year-over-year. Part of that is due to the rate of noncharging visits dropping to 12%, its lowest level since JD Power started the study six years ago.
“This year’s EV index shows Americans are becoming more open to the idea of driving an EV and more confident in the infrastructure needed to support them,” said SBD Automotive Senior Consulting Manager Robert Fisher.
“Consumer sentiment often leads purchasing behavior, making confidence an important indicator to watch as the market continues to evolve.”
Consumers also indicated a more positive view of the practicality of EV ownership. Thirty-one percent indicated that EVs provide better value for their money, and more respondents said they believe EVs cost less to own and operate than those who believe they cost more.