Consumer Interest and Knowledge of EVs: 2020 Survey Results
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Table of Contents
Introduction 3
Highlights 3
EVs: Understanding and Interest 4
EVs: Attitudes and Barriers 6
EVs: Policies and Incentives 10
Methodology 13
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Consumer Interest and Knowledge of EVs: 2020 Survey Results
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INTRODUCTION
This nationally representative
survey of 3,392 adults residing in
the U.S. with valid driver’s
licenses was conducted by
phone and Internet from July 29
through August 12 of 2020.
Questions about electric vehicles
(EVs) were offered in English
and Spanish. The purpose was
to better understand Americans'
familiarity with and attitudes
toward EVs, including what they
see as incentives and barriers to
owning them.
HIGHLIGHTS
• KNOWLEDGE: Approximately 98% of drivers say they’ve heard of electric vehicles, but
only 30% say they’re knowledgeable about them. 68% say they have “heard of” plug-in
EVs but “don't know much about them.”
• BARRIERS: Charging is a concern for many; among drivers who are not definitely planning
to purchase or lease a plug-in EV for their next vehicle, about half (48%) say "not enough
public charging stations" is holding them back.
§ Among all drivers, "public charging stations along highways" is the most common
policy that would increase their interest in owning an EV (42%).
§ However, 72% of all drivers say that if they owned an EV, they would most likely
do most of their charging “in their private driveway or garage.”
• BENEFITS: More than half of American drivers of both major political party affiliations
agree or strongly agree that:
§ widespread electric vehicle use will help reduce air or climate pollution: 84% of
Democrats say they Agree or Strongly Agree; 62% of Republicans say they Agree
or Strongly Agree.
§ automakers should make a variety of vehicle types (i.e. pickup trucks, SUVs)
available as plug-in electric models: 80% of Democrats say they Agree or
Strongly Agree; 62% of Republicans say they Agree or Strongly Agree.
§ electric utility providers should offer discounts to charge plug-in electric vehicles
at times when electricity demand is low: 77% of Democrats say they Agree or
Strongly Agree; 59% of Republicans say they Agree or Strongly Agree.
Consumer Interest and Knowledge of EVs: 2020 Survey Results
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ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Understanding and Interest
For this survey, CR defined plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) as "vehicles that are electric only”
and do not use gasoline. Hybrids like Toyota’s Prius or Prius Prime, for example, use both
gasoline and electric power, and for the purposes of this survey are not EVs.
We had drivers characterize their EV knowledge. Nearly all say they have heard of them (only
2% haven’t). However, the majority (68%) say they don't know much about them.
Which of the following best describes your knowledge of plug-in electric vehicles?
Despite this lack of knowledge, drivers are generally interested in electric vehicles. 71% of
drivers have at least some interest in getting an EV, with 31% saying they would consider
getting, or would definitely get, an EV the next time they purchase a vehicle.
Which of the following statements best describes your thoughts on buying or
leasing a plug-in electric vehicle?
■ I definitely plan on getting an EV for my
next vehicle
■ I would consider getting an EV as my
next vehicle
■ I have some interest in getting an EV in
the future, but not for my next vehicle
■ I have no interest in ever getting an EV
2%
68%
21%
8%
Base: Respondents with valid driver's licenses.
I've never heard of a plug-in
EV before
I've heard of plug-in EVs but
don't know much about them
I have heard of plug-in EVs
and know quite a bit about
them
I know a lot about plug-in EVs
4%
27%
40%
29%
Consumer Interest and Knowledge of EVs: 2020 Survey Results
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We found EV interest varies by age. 37% of Millennials (born 1982-1997) say they either will
definitely get, or will consider getting, an EV for their next purchase. Interest among Gen X
(1966-1981) is lower, at 31% who plan on or will consider an EV for their next vehicle; 25% of
Baby Boomers (1946-1965) responded this way, as did 21% of the Silent Generation (1928-
1946). The biggest generational differences are among people who “have no interest in ever
getting an EV.” 22% of Millennials responded this way, 30% of Gen X, 34% of Baby Boomers,
and over 40% of people in the Silent Generation.
Which of the following statements best describes your thoughts on buying or
leasing a plug-in electric vehicle?
■ I definitely plan on getting an EV for my next vehicle
■ I would consider getting an EV as my next vehicle
■ I have some interest in getting an EV in the future, but not for my next vehicle
■ I have no interest in ever getting an EV
Interest also varied by political affiliation. Democrats are more likely than Republicans to say
they would consider purchasing an EV for their next vehicle. Still, most Democrats (79%) and
Republicans (63%) say they at least have some interest in electric vehicles.
NOTE: Due to rounding, figures in some graphs may sum to more or less than 100%.
5%
32%
41%
22%
Millennial
4%
27%
39%
30%
Gen X
2%
23%
41%
34%
Baby Boomer
1%
20%
37%
42%
Silent
6%
35%
38%
21%
Democrats
1%
26%
38%
34%
Independents
2%
17%
44%
37%
Republicans
Consumer Interest and Knowledge of EVs: 2020 Survey Results
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ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Attitudes and Barriers !
We asked drivers “How far would an EV would have to be able to travel between charges for
you to consider purchasing or leasing one?”
About half of U.S. drivers said they would consider purchasing an electric vehicle if it could drive
at least 300 miles on a single charge. About half said their single-charge threshold was over 300
miles, with 24% saying 300 to less than 400 miles would be adequate, and another 25% saying
an EV would have to travel over 400 miles on a single charge for them to consider purchasing
one.
We asked drivers to choose from a list of attributes which would most encourage them to
purchase a plug-in electric vehicle.
Base: Respondents with valid driver's licenses.
NOTE: Due to rounding, figures in some graphs may sum to more or less than 100%.
21%
17%
17%
11%
11%
9%
9%
3%
2%
1%
Costs less to charge than fueling a gasoline-powered vehicle
Lower maintenance costs than gasoline-powered vehicles
A purchase price similar to a gasoline-powered vehicle in the same
class
Ability to charge at home
Higher reliability than gasoline-powered vehicles
No tailpipe emissions (exhaust fumes)
Not having to pump gas
Better acceleration than gasoline-powered vehicles
Car runs quietly
Attractive styling, other aesthetic features
Consumer Interest and Knowledge of EVs: 2020 Survey Results
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We asked all drivers except the 4% who definitely plan to buy or lease an electric vehicle next which, if any, of a set of attributes are
holding them back. Respondents could select up to three choices.
Of the following attributes, which, if any, are holding you back from purchasing or leasing a plug-in electric vehicle
for your next vehicle?
Base: Respondents with valid driver's licenses who do not “definitely” plan to get a plug-in EV for their next vehicle purchase.
48%
43%
42%
30%
28%
21%
14%
9%
2%
6%
Not enough public charging stations
Purchase Price
Insufficient driving range
Don't know enough about EVs to buy one
Nowhere to charge it at home
Long charging times
Lack of options among plug-in electric models currently on the market
Higher state registration fees for EVs
Difficult to use technology
Other
Consumer Interest and Knowledge of EVs: 2020 Survey Results
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We asked all drivers which, if any, of a set of state or federal policies, would most likely encourage them to purchase an EV.
Respondents were asked to select their top three choices.
Of the following state or federal policies, which, if enacted, would most likely increase your interest in purchasing or
leasing a plug-in electric vehicle?
Base: Respondents with valid driver's license.
42%
37%
35%
34%
30%
16%
13%
8%
7%
18%
Public charging stations along highways
Discounts to install a home charging station
Discounted charging rates from your electric utility provider
Rebates at the time of purchase or lease
Rebates as tax credits
Access to workplace charging stations
Charging stations or access to plug-in spots at apartment buildings
Preferential parking spaces for EVs
Access to HOV lanes with only the driver in the vehicle
None
Consumer Interest and Knowledge of EVs: 2020 Survey Results
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We also asked drivers where, out of a list of public and private charging options, they think they
would do most of their charging if they were to own an EV. The vast majority (71%) said they
would charge an EV in their private driveway or garage; the next-most-common response, at
just 9%, was "At public fast-charging stations in my community" (equivalent to gas stations).
Responses to this question varied significantly by living situation, likely by whether or not a
home has a private driveway or garage. More than half of people who live in single-family
houses, mobile homes, and multi-family houses say that they would charge a vehicle in the
driveway or garage. This is lower among people who live in apartments (though not non-existent
probably because some apartment complexes have private garages or parking spots).
However, people who live in apartments are also not likely to say they would charge a vehicle at
a charger provided by their apartment building. These options may not exist in their apartment
complex. In fact, the most common response among people who live in larger apartment
buildings (with more than 12 housing units) is public fast-charging stations.
1% 1%
0%
1% 1%
2% 2%
7%
4%
7%
9%
14%
7%
2%
5%
6%
9%
5%
9%
6%
4%
6%
7%
11%
19%
8%
11%
12%
9%
2%
7%
21%
44%
39%
0%
72%
80%
66%
45%
24%
36%
79%
Overall Single-family
detached house
Row house 2 to 12 unit
building
12 to 20 unit
building
20+ unit
building
Mobile home
At personal garage/driveway
At public fast-charging station
At public charging stations at places like restaurants and shopping centers
At work
At apartment building or complex
Other
Consumer Interest and Knowledge of EVs: 2020 Survey Results
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ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Policies and Incentives!
We asked U.S. drivers about federal and state policies related to electric vehicle use, and
programs that might incentivize drivers to switch to an electric vehicle.
Strongly agree / agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree / Strongly disagree Unsure
Statement: Automakers should make a variety of
vehicle types (like sedans, minivans, SUVs and
pickups) available as plug-in electric models
Statement: Electric utility providers should offer
discounts to charge EVs at times when electricity
demand is low.
Statement: Incentives and tax rebates for plug-in EVs
should be available to all consumers, including high
income.
Statement: My state should invest money to increase
the availability of plug-in EV charging stations.
55%
27%
14%
4%
71%
22%
4%
3%
68%
21%
7%
3%
60%
25%
12%
3%
Consumer Interest and Knowledge of EVs: 2020 Survey Results
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We also asked whether a state government or the federal government should require
automakers to offer electric vehicles. Just over a third of respondents support these policies,
about a third are neutral on the subject, and about a quarter say they disagree.
Statement: My state should require automakers to offer plug-in EV options.
Statement: The federal government should require automakers to offer
plug-in EV options.
12%
25%
33%
17%
9%
5%
Base: Respondents with a valid driver's license.
Strongly agree
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
Strongly disagree
Unsure
13%
25%
32%
17%
9%
4%
Base: Respondents with a valid driver's license.
Strongly agree
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
Strongly disagree
Unsure
Consumer Interest and Knowledge of EVs: 2020 Survey Results
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Americans with drivers’ licenses were asked if they agreed, disagreed, or were unsure about
whether increased electric vehicle use would help reduce air or climate pollution. 72% said they
agree (Agree + Strongly Agree) with only 7% saying they disagree (Disagree + Strongly
Disagree). Opinions on this differ based on political affiliation. 84% of people who identify as a
Democrat said they agreed; 58% of Republicans agreed. 71% of drivers who identified as
Independent or Other agreed.
Statement: Widespread electric vehicle use will help reduce air or climate pollution.
NOTE: Due to rounding, figures in some graphs may sum to more or less than 100%.
33%
39%
17%
4%
3%
4%
All Drivers
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neither agree or disagree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Unsure
45%
39%
10%
1%
1%
4%
Democrats
27%
44%
22%
3%
2%
3%
Independents
20%
38%
23%
9%
5%
4%
Republicans
Consumer Interest and Knowledge of EVs: 2020 Survey Results
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SURVEY METHODOLOGY
This nationally-representative survey of 3,879 adults residing in the U.S. was conducted
by phone (n=121) and Internet (n=3,758) by NORC from July 29 through August 12, 2020.
It was fielded through NORC's AmeriSpeak Panel, a nationally representative probability-
based panel, in both English (n=3,809) and Spanish (n=70). Questions about electric
vehicles were asked of the 3,392 who have valid driver's licenses. Panelists were initially
offered the cash equivalent of $2 for taking the survey regardless of which section they
qualified for. This was increased to $5 on August 11 to boost engagement toward the end
of the field period. These data were weighted separately for each section to provide
nationally-representative estimates of the U.S. adult population based on sex, age,
education, race/ethnicity, census region, housing tenure, and telephone status.
After weighting, the Electric Vehicles national sample (licensed drivers) is:
• 51% female
• Median age of 47
• 23% have a household income of less than $30,000 per year; 27% make at least
$30,000 and less than $60,000; 27% make at least $60,000 and less than
$100,000; and 22% have an annual household income of $100,000 or more.
• 34% have a bachelor’s degree or above
• 72% are white, non-Hispanic
