Americans Worry More About EV Range Than Cost, Survey Shows

EV Range Tops Consumer Concerns

A recent study shows that range anxiety remains the leading concern for U.S. electric vehicle buyers, even surpassing price considerations. While the expiration of the federal $7,500 EV tax credit impacted sales, Americans still cite driving range and charging convenience as primary barriers to adoption.

Deloitte’s 2026 Global Automotive Consumer Study surveyed over 28,500 participants across 27 countries between October and November 2025. In the U.S., 47% of respondents said EV range was their main hesitation, followed by charging time at 44%, and overall cost at 40%. This highlights that practical concerns outweigh the environmental appeal for most buyers.

EV Adoption Remains Cautious

Interest in EVs is growing, but modestly. Purchase intent rose from 5% in 2024 to 7% in 2025, while interest in traditional combustion vehicles and hybrids remained flat at 61% and 26%, respectively. Lower running costs continue to drive potential EV adoption, especially when owners can charge at home.

However, infrastructure limits create a bottleneck. The survey found that 77% of Americans plan to charge at home, yet 53% lack access to a dedicated home charger. While the availability of a parking spot suitable for installation is unknown, this gap underscores a critical obstacle to wider EV adoption.

Impact of the Federal Tax Credit

The conclusion of the federal EV tax credit has had an immediate effect on market share. According to Cox Automotive, EV sales dropped from 11.6% in September to 5.8% in October, the first month without the incentive. Even so, sales remain above some earlier months, such as January and May 2025, when EVs accounted for 7.7% and 6.9% of U.S. new car sales, respectively.

This slowdown shows that incentives were effective in accelerating adoption, but the underlying interest in EVs persists, particularly for buyers motivated by lower operating costs rather than environmental benefits alone.

Affordable EV Options Expand

Consumers now have more reasonably priced EV choices. Models such as the Chevrolet Bolt and Equinox, the Nissan Leaf, and standard versions of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y allow buyers to go electric without exceeding $40,000.

Brand loyalty appears fluid, with 53% of survey respondents planning to switch brands for their next vehicle. Quality, performance, and price are key decision factors, cited by 58%, 51%, and 46% of buyers, respectively.

Software and Charging Technology Influence Decisions

Buyers also value technological innovations. The study found that 62% of respondents are willing to pay more for vehicles offering over-the-air updates, which improve vehicle software over time. This emphasizes the increasing importance of software-defined features, particularly as EVs integrate more connected and autonomous functionalities.

At the same time, the focus on range and charging access continues to shape purchasing decisions. Manufacturers expanding home and public charging infrastructure, as well as offering long-range models, are more likely to convert hesitant buyers into EV owners.

Outlook for 2026

As EV options diversify and charging networks improve, consumer concerns about cost may take a back seat to range and convenience. While the loss of the federal tax credit slowed growth in 2025, the combination of more affordable models, longer ranges, and accessible home charging could support steady adoption in 2026 and beyond.

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