A recent study by McKinsey & Company highlights a surprising trend: nearly half of Americans who currently own electric vehicles (EVs) are contemplating a return to gas-powered cars.
The study found that 46% of electric vehicle owners in the U.S. are likely to switch back to traditional gas-powered cars. This places the U.S. second among nine surveyed countries, which include Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, Norway, France, Italy, and Japan.
A significant factor driving this potential shift is the perceived inadequacy of charging infrastructure. Globally, 35% of respondents cited insufficient charging stations as a primary reason for reverting to gas-powered vehicles. Additionally, 40% of participants noted the lack of chargers along highways and major roads as a concern. Other reasons for hesitancy towards electric vehicles include low familiarity with the technology, skepticism about EV performance, and concerns about the cost of ownership.
Despite these concerns, efforts are underway to improve the situation. The Biden administration has committed $7.5 billion to developing a reliable and convenient network of 500,000 EV chargers across the United States.
Interestingly, the inclination to purchase electric vehicles has seen an upward trend over the past three years. In 2021, only 14% of gas-powered car owners expressed a desire to switch to an EV for their next vehicle. This figure rose to 18% by February 2024, indicating a growing interest in electric vehicles despite existing challenges.