A recent survey by Deloitte has revealed that Americans are still hesitant to adopt electric vehicles for their next car purchase. Despite growing affordability options and increasing awareness about the benefits of EVs, many consumers remain skeptical due to concerns over charging accessibility, range, and costs.
The 2026 Global Automotive Consumer Study polled over 28,500 people across 27 countries, finding that a staggering 61% of US respondents prefer their next car to come with a combustion engine. This is a stark contrast to the global trend, where many countries are experiencing significant growth in EV adoption.
Interestingly, only 7% of US consumers expressed interest in buying an electric vehicle for their next purchase. The most common reason cited was lower fuel costs. However, when respondents were asked about concerns related to EVs, driving range, charging time, and premium prices emerged as the top issues. This suggests that while some consumers are attracted to EVs, others are hesitant due to practical considerations.
The price of EVs is also a significant barrier for many consumers. Approximately 44% of US respondents said they want their next car to cost under $35,000. However, most EV models currently on the market fall above this threshold, making them less accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
Recent data from EV manufacturers supports these findings. Tesla reported a decline in sales last year, with deliveries down 9% to 1.6 million vehicles. This was partly due to the expiration of the federal EV tax credit and concerns over Elon Musk's popularity among EV buyers.
In contrast, Chinese consumers are leading the charge towards electric vehicle adoption. BYD has become the world's largest EV seller, delivering 2.26 million vehicles in 2025 – a significant increase from the previous year. This is likely due to government incentives and growing awareness about the benefits of EVs among Chinese consumers.
Overall, while some consumers are showing interest in EVs, many Americans remain hesitant due to practical concerns and affordability issues. As the automotive industry continues to shift towards electrification, manufacturers will need to address these challenges to attract a wider range of buyers.
The 2026 Global Automotive Consumer Study polled over 28,500 people across 27 countries, finding that a staggering 61% of US respondents prefer their next car to come with a combustion engine. This is a stark contrast to the global trend, where many countries are experiencing significant growth in EV adoption.
Interestingly, only 7% of US consumers expressed interest in buying an electric vehicle for their next purchase. The most common reason cited was lower fuel costs. However, when respondents were asked about concerns related to EVs, driving range, charging time, and premium prices emerged as the top issues. This suggests that while some consumers are attracted to EVs, others are hesitant due to practical considerations.
The price of EVs is also a significant barrier for many consumers. Approximately 44% of US respondents said they want their next car to cost under $35,000. However, most EV models currently on the market fall above this threshold, making them less accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
Recent data from EV manufacturers supports these findings. Tesla reported a decline in sales last year, with deliveries down 9% to 1.6 million vehicles. This was partly due to the expiration of the federal EV tax credit and concerns over Elon Musk's popularity among EV buyers.
In contrast, Chinese consumers are leading the charge towards electric vehicle adoption. BYD has become the world's largest EV seller, delivering 2.26 million vehicles in 2025 – a significant increase from the previous year. This is likely due to government incentives and growing awareness about the benefits of EVs among Chinese consumers.
Overall, while some consumers are showing interest in EVs, many Americans remain hesitant due to practical concerns and affordability issues. As the automotive industry continues to shift towards electrification, manufacturers will need to address these challenges to attract a wider range of buyers.
. I mean, we've been hearing about how EVs are gonna save the planet and all that jazz 
, but it seems like some people just aren't convinced yet. Charging accessibility is a major concern for many US consumers, which I get – no one likes being tied to their car with a charger 
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. Most EVs are still pretty pricey, and that $35k threshold is definitely a barrier for some folks. But at the same time, it's not like there aren't any affordable options out there... Tesla's sales did take a hit last year, and I'm sure Elon Musk's ego didn't help 
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. Government incentives and growing awareness have clearly made a difference for them. It'll be interesting to see how the rest of the world catches up – or passes China, lol 
still can't believe how slow americans are to hop on the electric bandwagon... think we'll be stuck in our gas-guzzling ways for years to come 
! I mean, I get it, some people are worried about the range and costs, but can't we just have some decent charging stations on every corner? 
And don't even get me started on the prices... $35k is a lot of money for a car that's only going to appreciate in value if you're one of those eco-warriors who actually cares about saving the planet 
. Meanwhile, my neighbor just got a sweet deal on a gas-guzzler for like half the price 
I think it's really interesting that despite all the advancements in electric vehicle technology and growing awareness about their benefits, many Americans are still hesitant to make the switch. The concerns over charging accessibility, range, and costs are totally valid, but we need to start thinking about more innovative solutions to address these issues. For instance, what if manufacturers started offering free or low-cost charging stations with new EV purchases? That could really help alleviate some of those practical concerns. Plus, the government could also play a role by extending or increasing the federal tax credit for EVs. China's approach is actually a great model to follow here - it's amazing how much of a difference targeted incentives can make. We need to keep pushing forward on this front and find ways to make electric vehicles more accessible to everyone, not just those who are willing and able to shell out top dollar 
Is it because they dont know enough about how charging works? Or is it cuz their neighbors still drive gas guzzlers? 
. It's all about the $35k price tag, bro 
... Elon Musk might be a genius, but his influence isn't what it used to be 
. Guess we'll just have to keep waitin' for the rest of us to catch up 
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. Meanwhile, China is over here like "hey, let's make electric cars affordable and accessible" 
. On one hand, we gotta be realistic about our budget and what we can afford. But on the other hand, we're also thinking about the future and wanting to do what's best for the planet 
! We Americans need to do the same, find ways to make EVs more affordable and convenient for everyone 
... 7% of people interested in buying an EV? That's not enough imo 
! And it's interesting that budget is a major factor - can't they see how much money they'll save on fuel over time?! 
. and it's not just the price, but also concerns about charging accessibility and range... i feel like we're just being too cautious here 
. I used to be all about Elon and his innovative ideas... but now I just see him as another rich guy trying to make a profit off of people's concerns 
That's just too rich for many budgets 
- government incentives & awareness r key 
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. But now, China is lighting up the EV scene like crazy 
! Meanwhile, here in the States, we're still stuck in neutral 
. I'm not surprised about the price thing tho... $35k is a pretty low bar to jump over 
... 9% decline for Tesla? That's like, what happened to Elon's EV army? 
! They're really embracing them as a sustainable option and I think governments should be encouraging more countries to follow suit 
. As someone who's always been interested in the environment, it's refreshing to see some positivity around this topic