Verra Mobility Corporation has released its second EV consumer perceptions report, “The State of EVs: 2025 Report on Smart Mobility.” The survey found that 47% of respondents plan to purchase an EV within the next five years, with 21% planning to buy one within the next one to two years.

Verra Mobility surveyed 2,000 Americans aged 25 and older about their plans to purchase or rent an EV, as well as their thoughts on EV maintenance, safety, and charging. Only 7% of respondents currently own an EV.

The full report can be downloaded here.

EV Consumer Perceptions Indicate Gradual Adoption

“Although there have been market indications that EV adoption rates are slowing down, our analysis indicates steady, albeit more cautious adoption and interest,” said Steve Lalla, executive vice president of Commercial Services at Verra Mobility. “Our survey results echo what we have been seeing and hearing for the last year as we work with customers representing cities, rental car companies, fleets and vehicle OEMs. The overall message we continue to hear is ‘it’s not if, but when’ EVs will constitute a much more significant share of vehicles on the road.”

Consumers’ EV purchasing plans align with additional research from Verra Mobility, which found that 48% of municipal technology leaders expect EVs to make up the majority of personal vehicles within 10 years. According to Edmunds, EVs accounted for 8.5% of vehicles sold in May 2024 in the U.S.

Top Concerns About EV Ownership

The “State of EVs: 2025 Report on Smart Mobility” survey highlighted key concerns among consumers regarding EV ownership. The most pressing issues included:

• 46% worried about the availability of charging stations.
• 31% cited upfront costs as a major concern.
• 40% did not know where the nearest charging station was or how to find one.
• 71% reported experiencing range anxiety when considering driving an EV. This figure dropped slightly from last year when 79% expressed range anxiety.

EV Maintenance, Safety, and Rental Perceptions

The survey also examined EV consumer perceptions regarding maintenance costs, safety, and rental experiences. Key findings included:

• 51% would buy an EV today if upfront costs were lower.
• 73% did not know how to charge an EV rental car.
• 70% would consider renting an EV before making a purchase decision.
• 63% believed EV maintenance costs were higher than those for gas-powered vehicles.
• 42% thought EVs were more likely to require roadside assistance.

How Public Opinion on EVs Shifted Post-2024 Election

The survey also explored how the past year affected EV consumer perceptions and purchasing decisions. When asked, “Are you more or less likely to purchase an EV than you were in 2023?” responses were split:

• 31% were more likely to buy an EV.
• 24% were less likely to buy an EV.
• 46% felt the same as in 2023.

Additionally, 15% of respondents said the 2024 presidential election made them more likely to purchase an EV within the next four years.

Survey Methodology

Verra Mobility conducted the survey online via Pollfish on Nov. 15, 2024, gathering responses from 2,000 Americans aged 25 and older.

All percentages were rounded to the nearest whole number, which may result in totals slightly exceeding or falling below 100%.