Electric vehicles (EVs) remain a niche choice in the US, according to Deloitte's 2026 Global Automotive Consumer Study. While EV demand is increasing globally, it has slowed down in the United States, with only 7% of car buyers expressing interest in purchasing an electric vehicle for their next car. This represents a 40% increase from last year's survey, which found just 5% of car buyers wanted an EV.
Internal combustion engines remain Americans' first choice, with 61% saying they will use a gasoline-powered vehicle as their next ride. Hybrid vehicles are also popular, with 21% preferring a hybrid, while plug-in hybrids account for only 5%. However, charging times and cost premium are significant concerns among car buyers when discussing EVs.
Interestingly, range anxiety is not as prevalent in the US as it is globally. While 38% of Americans were concerned about the cost of replacing an EV's battery, many believe that EV batteries will last just as long as older cars require new engines. In fact, a recent study found that EV batteries can withstand up to 200,000 miles without needing replacement.
The software-defined vehicle (SDV) concept is also gaining traction in other parts of the world but remains unpopular in the US. Only 41% of Americans believe SDVs are useful, and many are skeptical about the benefits of over-the-air updates that add new functionality. While some Chinese consumers are willing to pay extra for these updates, many Americans see no value in this approach.
Overall, while EVs may not be as popular in the US as they are globally, there is still interest among some consumers who prioritize efficiency and cost savings. However, more needs to be done to address concerns about charging times, cost premium, and software-defined vehicles before EVs can become a mainstream choice.
Internal combustion engines remain Americans' first choice, with 61% saying they will use a gasoline-powered vehicle as their next ride. Hybrid vehicles are also popular, with 21% preferring a hybrid, while plug-in hybrids account for only 5%. However, charging times and cost premium are significant concerns among car buyers when discussing EVs.
Interestingly, range anxiety is not as prevalent in the US as it is globally. While 38% of Americans were concerned about the cost of replacing an EV's battery, many believe that EV batteries will last just as long as older cars require new engines. In fact, a recent study found that EV batteries can withstand up to 200,000 miles without needing replacement.
The software-defined vehicle (SDV) concept is also gaining traction in other parts of the world but remains unpopular in the US. Only 41% of Americans believe SDVs are useful, and many are skeptical about the benefits of over-the-air updates that add new functionality. While some Chinese consumers are willing to pay extra for these updates, many Americans see no value in this approach.
Overall, while EVs may not be as popular in the US as they are globally, there is still interest among some consumers who prioritize efficiency and cost savings. However, more needs to be done to address concerns about charging times, cost premium, and software-defined vehicles before EVs can become a mainstream choice.