US EV Adoption Slows: Survey Reveals Why Most Still Hesitate

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution, while still underway, isn't accelerating at the pace many predicted just a few years ago. Despite increasing awareness and government incentives, a significant portion of American car buyers remain hesitant to make the switch. Deloitte’s 2026 Global Automotive Consumer Study provides valuable insights into this slowdown, revealing the key factors influencing consumer decisions. The study indicates that only 7 percent of US car buyers are considering an EV for their next vehicle, a 40 percent increase from 2025’s 5 percent, but still a relatively small figure. This article delves into the reasons behind this cautious approach, examining the latest data, emerging trends, and the unique challenges facing EV adoption in the United States.

Internal Combustion Still Reigns Supreme

Despite the growing interest in EVs, the internal combustion engine (ICE) remains the dominant choice for American drivers. A substantial 61 percent of respondents stated their next vehicle would be powered by gasoline. Hybrid vehicles are also gaining traction, with 21 percent expressing a preference for them – a slight increase from 20 percent the previous year. Plug-in hybrids saw a minor decline in interest, with only 5 percent considering them, down from 6 percent. A small percentage (4 percent) remain undecided, while 1 percent are considering alternative fuel options like hydrogen.

This preference for ICE vehicles positions the US as an outlier compared to other major automotive markets. In Germany, less than half of car buyers want another gas-powered vehicle, and in China, Japan, and South Korea, that number drops to 41 percent. However, the shift away from ICE isn’t solely towards battery EVs in these markets. China leads in EV demand at 20 percent, while Japan shows a stronger preference for hybrids, with 37 percent opting for them compared to just 5 percent for battery EVs.

The Impact of Policy Changes

Deloitte’s survey was conducted between October and November 2025, a period following the implementation of several US government policies impacting EV adoption. These include the cancellation of the clean vehicle tax credit, rollbacks in fuel efficiency standards, and a reluctance to enforce existing efficiency regulations. The uncertainty surrounding potential import tariffs also contributes to the hesitation. Automakers have invested heavily in building EV manufacturing capacity in North America, but the return on these investments is now less certain.

Charging Infrastructure: A Major Hurdle

A critical barrier to EV adoption in the US is the lack of convenient charging infrastructure. 53 percent of US respondents reported not having access to home charging, a significantly higher rate than in Germany (20 percent) and China (6 percent). Only Japan, where EV adoption is even lower, had a higher percentage of respondents without home charging access (75 percent). This lack of home charging options places a greater reliance on public charging stations, which are often unreliable or inconveniently located.

While workplace charging can partially address this issue, 77 percent of US car buyers still prefer the convenience of charging at home, with only 13 percent favoring workplace charging. This highlights the need for widespread and accessible home charging solutions to encourage EV adoption.

Why Consider an EV? The Driving Factors

For those considering an EV, the superior efficiency of electric powertrains compared to ICE engines is a key motivator. Ford’s experience with the F-150 Lightning, despite some challenges, demonstrates this point. An electric F-150 requires significantly less energy to travel 300 miles than its gasoline-powered counterpart, considering the energy content of a gallon of gasoline (approximately 33.7 kWh).

According to the Deloitte study, lower fuel costs are the primary reason (52 percent) for choosing an EV, surpassing environmental concerns (38 percent). The $20,000 to $49,999 price range appears to be the sweet spot for EV buyers, with 24 percent seeking vehicles in the $20,000–$34,999 range (like the Nissan Leaf or the Chevrolet Bolt) and another 24 percent looking at the $35,000–$49,999 range, which offers a wider selection of models, including the Mercedes-Benz CLA.

Only 7 percent of potential EV buyers are willing to spend over $75,000, but a robust luxury EV market caters to this segment.

Addressing Consumer Concerns

Range anxiety and charging times remain the top concerns for potential EV buyers, alongside the initial cost premium. However, some fears are unfounded. 38 percent of respondents expressed concern about the cost of replacing an EV battery, but real-world data suggests that EV batteries are more durable than initially anticipated. There’s little evidence to suggest that EV batteries will need replacement more frequently than engines in traditional vehicles.

Key Concerns of US Car Buyers

• Range Anxiety
• Charging Times
• Initial Cost
• Battery Replacement Cost (often overstated)

The Software-Defined Vehicle: A Missed Opportunity?

The automotive industry is undergoing a significant shift towards software-defined vehicles (SDVs), which utilize a centralized computing architecture instead of numerous individual electronic control units (ECUs). This approach allows for over-the-air (OTA) updates, bug fixes, and the addition of new features. However, US car buyers appear largely uninterested in this technology.

Only 41 percent of US car buyers believe SDVs are useful, and one-third see no value in them. This sentiment is even more pronounced in the UK, Germany, and Japan. China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia demonstrate greater acceptance of SDVs.

This lack of interest extends to willingness to pay for OTA updates. While 50 percent of Chinese customers would pay a 6–10 percent premium for a car with OTA capabilities, 39 percent of US buyers would not pay extra for this functionality. Furthermore, 53 percent of US car buyers have no interest in using their car as a digital platform for integrated services, and only 20 percent consider their car a more important digital platform than their smartphone, compared to 56 percent in China.

Given these attitudes, automakers like Rivian and General Motors may need to reconsider their decision to restrict Apple CarPlay access in their vehicles. While they may believe EV drivers will prefer in-vehicle solutions, the data suggests a strong preference for smartphone integration, especially considering the limited export markets for these brands.

Looking Ahead: Overcoming the Hurdles

The slowdown in US EV adoption highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach to address consumer concerns and accelerate the transition to electric mobility. This includes:

• Investing in charging infrastructure: Expanding the availability of reliable and convenient charging options, particularly home charging solutions.
• Reinstating and expanding incentives: Providing financial incentives to make EVs more affordable.
• Addressing range anxiety: Developing EVs with longer ranges and improving battery technology.
• Educating consumers: Dispelling myths about EV battery life and maintenance costs.
• Embracing smartphone integration: Recognizing the importance of smartphone connectivity and offering seamless integration with popular platforms like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The future of transportation is undoubtedly electric, but overcoming these challenges is crucial to ensuring a smooth and widespread adoption of EVs in the United States. Continued monitoring of consumer sentiment, as demonstrated by studies like Deloitte’s, will be essential for guiding policy and industry strategies.