A new survey commissioned by Volvo Cars USA indicates that roughly three-quarters of American drivers believe electric vehicles are the future of driving.
Volvo said the poll, which was conducted by The Harris Poll, was done because the automaker wanted to develop a better understanding of current perceptions of electric vehicles and how people think EVs could meet their day-to-day driving experiences, including the challenges and the benefits.
One key finding of the poll was that 59% of all drivers feel driving an EV has a positive environmental impact, outweighing activities such recycling, switching to paperless billing or utilizing smart home technology to regulate residential heating and cooling.
Some 74% of EV drivers believe the long-term savings on gas outweigh the higher price-tag of buying an EV, according to the poll, which has already announced a broad electrification strategy and launching its own EV brand, Polestar.
(First Look: Polestar 2 Goes Electric. Click Here for the story.)
The poll also found that the current generation EV drivers, which is still relatively small, is “highly satisfied” with their EV.
However, they are also found EV owners indicate they are still several convenience-related barriers in driving an electric vehicles. The poll also found the respondents indicated EV drivers crave more convenient charging options while they are away from home.
Although the most common place EV drivers recharge their vehicles is at home, 51%, many also charge their vehicles while out and about. Despite charging their vehicles at public stations nearly half the time, the respondents indicated existing charging stations leave much to be desired.
(Click Here for more about Volvo aiming for half its sales to be all electric by 2025.)
More than one-third – 36% – say the experience of using public charging stations is time-consuming. The poll also found they would like additional amenities such as the option of paying for a quicker charge, an onsite coffee shop or cafe with Wi-Fi and/or an accessible gym or fitness center. Respondents also indicated they would like a system for collecting reward points for each charge and maintenance services.
The full results of the poll are published in Volvo Reports: The State of Electric Vehicles in America, the latest in a series of Volvo Reports from Volvo Car USA and The Harris Poll that explores the ever-changing relationship between Americans and their cars.
Volvo said in a statement that like the majority of Americans, it believes the future is electric, pointing Volvo’s electrification strategy document states that by 2025, 50% of Volvo Cars’ sales volume will be fully electric.
(To see more about the impact of cold and hot weather on EV range, Click Here.)
Volvo currently offers plug-in hybrid cars and SUVs that run on both gasoline and battery-electric power. In the future, Volvo will add more powertrain options – including mild hybrids and battery-electric vehicles – designed to improve customers’ lives.
“One key finding of the poll was that 59% of all drivers feel driving an EV has a positive environmental impact, outweighing activities such recycling, switching to paperless billing or utilizing smart home technology to regulate residential heating and cooling.”
Therefore they encourage their neighbors to buy electric while they will continue to buy ICEs.
It’s funny how electric vehicles were around 100+ years ago, but now they are considered “the future”. There is renewed hope for bringing back horses and buggies.
The proof in any sincerity may be when the taxpayer paid incentives are exhausted (pun intended) and when (and if) EVs ever have to begin paying their share of taxes to repair and maintain roads.
Agreed, Allen. At some point, EV owners will have to share in road costs.
Paul E.