Survey shows EVs could be viable for majority of Americans

December 19, 2013 | By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

While less than 1 percent of the country are currently driving electric vehicles (EV), a new survey has found that four out of 10 households could use an electric vehicle with little or no change to their driving habits and vehicle needs. The national Union of Concerned Scientists/Consumers Union survey found that 42 percent of respondents with cars -- equivalent to 45 million households across the country -- meet the basic criteria for using plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

MJ-Bird/Wikimedia Commons

Survey respondents met the basic criteria for using a typical plug-in hybrid EV if they have access to parking and an electrical outlet at home or work, need to carry less than five occupants, and do not need hauling or towing capability.

The results of the survey not only indicate that millions of households could utilize an EV today, but how that figure could grow. The survey found that 33 percent of respondents did not have access to parking with an electrical outlet, but met the other basic criteria for owning a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. In addition, 37 percent agreed that having access to charging at the workplace would increase the likelihood of considering an EV in their next vehicle purchase.

While incentives that lower the cost of purchasing an EV will continue to play a key role in expanding the market for these vehicles, the findings suggest that efforts to increase access to vehicle charging options at home and the workplace can also help make EVs a more likely choice for vehicle buyers.

The survey found that 65 percent of Americans think electric vehicles are an essential part of our nation's transportation future for reducing oil use and global warming pollution, with 60 percent considering owning one. State policymakers are taking notice of consumer interest and the potential for increased use of EVs, with eight governors recently announcing a joint plan to put 3.3 million zero-emission vehicles on America's roads by 2025.

"There is a huge potential to continue expanding the market for electric vehicles, a key solution for tackling climate change and cutting our nation's projected oil use in half over the next 20 years," said David Reichmuth, senior engineer for the UCS Clean Vehicles Program. "Americans recognize that we need to reduce our oil use, and electric vehicles offer a great opportunity for drivers to do just that."

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