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A recent Gallup poll reveals that U.S. interest in electric vehicles (EVs) has stabilized at a lower level in 2024, with 51% of Americans either owning or considering buying an EV, down from 59% in 2023. This figure matches the 2024 level and reflects a notable decline from the previous year. Meanwhile, interest in hybrid vehicles has surged, with 65% of Americans expressing openness to owning one, driven by increased appeal among upper-income consumers and Republicans.
Key Highlights:
- 51% of Americans are open to owning an EV, down from 59% in 2023.
- 65% show interest in hybrid vehicles, with 8% already owning one.
- Democrats remain more interested in EVs than Republicans, though the gap has narrowed.
- Hybrid vehicles attract broader appeal, especially among upper-income Americans and Republicans.
The poll, conducted from March 3-16, shows that while EV interest has dipped, it remains steady compared to earlier in 2024. The decline in enthusiasm for EVs is broad-based, affecting most demographic groups, but is more pronounced among upper-income and young adults. Despite this, Democrats and liberals continue to show stronger interest in EVs, with 71% of Democrats and 78% of liberals expressing openness, compared to 31% of Republicans and 32% of conservatives.
In contrast, hybrid vehicles have gained significant traction, appealing to 65% of Americans. This includes 8% who already own a hybrid, 10% seriously considering one, and 47% open to the idea in the future. Notably, hybrids have drawn more interest from Republicans (55%) and conservatives (51%), narrowing the political divide seen with EVs. Upper-income Americans are also more inclined toward hybrids, with 74% of those earning over $100,000 showing interest, compared to 56% for EVs.
The poll coincided with heightened scrutiny of Tesla, the leading EV manufacturer, due to protests and vandalism linked to CEO Elon Musk’s political activities. However, the decline in EV interest predates these events, suggesting that practical concerns, such as reliability and charging infrastructure, may be influencing consumer preferences. Hybrids, which combine gasoline and electric power, appear to address these concerns, making them a more attractive option for many Americans.
Demographic trends further highlight these shifts. Young adults (aged 18-34), college graduates, and middle- to upper-income Americans remain more interested in both EVs and hybrids than their counterparts. However, older Americans show a stronger preference for hybrids over EVs, reducing the age gap seen with fully electric vehicles. Meanwhile, income plays a larger role in hybrid interest, with 72% of those earning $50,000-$99,999 favoring hybrids compared to 53% for EVs.
Overall, while EV interest has cooled from its 2023 peak, hybrids are gaining momentum, particularly among groups less inclined toward fully electric vehicles. This evolving preference underscores a practical approach to adopting greener technologies in the U.S. automotive market.
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