New Study Finds 92% of EV Owners Unlikely to Return to Gas-Only Vehicles

Only 4% say they would consider switching to a plug-in hybrid after owning an electric vehicle

Electric vehicle adoption rates can vary widely, but one thing remains consistent: loyalty among EV owners. According to a new study, 92% of respondents said they would never return to a gas-only vehicle. In fact, just 1% of participants stated they’d definitely go back to an internal combustion engine (ICE) car. Among the remaining 7%, 4% would consider a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), while the rest were undecided.

More: EV Batteries May Last Up to 40% Longer Than Expected

The survey, conducted by the Global EV Alliance (via Bloomberg), comes from a group clearly in favor of electric vehicles. On its website, the Alliance emphasizes its mission to promote “zero-emission mobility” and envisions “a planet where all transportation is sustainable, clean, and electric.” While the source might seem biased, the study itself offers transparency.

A Global Perspective on EV Trends

The research gathered input from over 23,000 EV drivers across 18 countries, including the USA, Canada, Brazil, France, Austria, and India. The results were weighted according to each country’s share of the global EV fleet, ensuring larger markets like the USA had a greater influence than smaller markets, such as Sweden, where EV adoption is exceptionally high.

This weighted approach provides a clearer snapshot of EV ownership worldwide. For most respondents, electric cars are the only vehicles they plan to buy going forward—and their reasons extend beyond climate concerns. Nearly half (45%) cited the lower operating costs of EVs compared to gas or diesel cars as the primary benefit.

Climate friendliness ranked second (40%), followed by improving the local environment (32%), superior driveability (21%), and reduced maintenance costs (18%). In short, EVs are more affordable to own, enjoyable to drive, and easier on the wallet—assuming you find a working charging station, but that’s another story for later.

Charging Challenges Loom Large

The honeymoon phase of EV ownership hits a snag when it comes to charging infrastructure—or more precisely, the lack of it. According to the study, the most significant downside of driving an EV is the limited availability of fast chargers, followed by the frequent downtime of existing stations and the lengthy time it takes to charge. This challenge highlights why Tesla, with its extensive Supercharger network, continues to dominate the market.

“The results indicate that the most significant drawbacks are the limited availability of fast chargers, the time-consuming nature of charging, and the frequent downtime of fast charging stations,” the study reports. It’s a glaring issue, especially in the USA, but one that resonates with EV owners worldwide.

What’s Your Take?

Are you sold on EVs, or are you waiting for a charging network that’s as reliable as your home appliances and as convenient as your local gas station? Whether you’re a full-fledged EV fan or still holding tight to your gas-powered car keys, we want to hear your thoughts. What’s the best thing about EVs, and what drives you up the wall? Share your opinions in the comments below—we’ll be here, eagerly refreshing for your responses.

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  • Growing up with a father who was a mechanic I had an appreciation for cars and motorcycles from an early age. I shared my first bike with my brother that had little more than a 40cc engine but it opened up a world of excitement for me, I was hooked. As I grew older I progressed onto bigger bikes and...

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