Nearly Half of U.S. EV Owners Say They Want to Return to Gasoline

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Nearly half of electric vehicle owners in the United States say they are considering a return to gasoline-powered cars, according to new research that highlights growing dissatisfaction despite rapid global adoption of EVs.

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McKinsey & Co.’s 2024 Mobility Consumer Pulse study analyzed roughly one million data points collected through surveys, interviews, and focus groups. Among U.S. respondents who currently own electric vehicles, 46% said they are likely to switch back to gasoline when purchasing their next vehicle. The finding stands out against a broader global backdrop of accelerating EV sales, particularly in China, where electric vehicles now account for more than half of new vehicle sales.

Globally, McKinsey projects EV sales will grow sixfold by 2030, but the study suggests enthusiasm does not always translate into long-term satisfaction. Across all markets, 29% of EV owners cited inadequate charging infrastructure as their primary concern, while 35% pointed specifically to shortcomings in public charging networks. High ownership costs were flagged by 34% of respondents, and 32% said EVs disrupt long-distance travel.

Concerns about EV ownership are not new. Earlier data showed that more than a quarter of Tesla owners would not purchase another Tesla, and one in five Californians who bought early-generation EVs between 2012 and 2018 later returned to gasoline vehicles. Early adopters often tolerated limited charging access and usability trade-offs, but newer buyers appear less forgiving.

Industry analysts suggest part of the dissatisfaction stems from how automakers have positioned EVs. Many manufacturers have marketed electric models as premium or luxury products, creating expectations of convenience that may not align with current infrastructure or vehicle capabilities. At the same time, EVs have grown larger and heavier, with sizable battery packs added to full-size trucks and SUVs. These designs can result in slower charging times and less efficient road-trip performance.

Public charging satisfaction has also declined as EV adoption has increased, potentially due to longer wait times and aging equipment. While federal funding of $7.5 billion is allocated to expanding and improving public chargers, gaps remain.

The data suggest EVs are not yet a universal solution. While some models with fast-charging technology perform well on long trips, others struggle to meet everyday expectations. As adoption widens, the study indicates that vehicle design choices and buyer needs will play a growing role in shaping long-term satisfaction.

https://www.motorbiscuit.com/ev-owners-swap-to-gasoline/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPclJFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFaOVNNUmpZc2hIZ1ExMnhqc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrAKCWSg01MqPSk64lwGbQmpmQAv8xZIJd81njhSqoIqaU7_wkYsSWxw_y7U_aem_j2gF3hW1xUo7xTYHgdcVjw

By John

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