New national poll shows that a large, bipartisan majority of voters favor policies to accelerate electric vehicle adoption

The Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA) released the results of a new national poll regarding the public’s perception of electric vehicles (EVs) and EV policy. The poll indicated that a large bipartisan majority of American voters who own or lease a vehicle support policies that would accelerate the rate of electric vehicle adoption. Specifically, American voters overwhelmingly support EV tax credits, public fleet electrification, battery research and development, and charging infrastructure deployment. 

“The facts show that policymakers who support policies designed to accelerate EV adoption agree with the American public,” said Dan Zotos, ZETA’s Communications Director. “EV sales are growing, and an unprecedented percentage of American consumers are currently considering an EV for their next vehicle. Right now, the federal government needs to step in and play a larger role in expanding consumer access to EVs. By speeding up the rate of EV adoption in the United States, the federal government will combat climate change, boost our public health, create good-paying jobs, and deliver huge cost savings for American consumers.”

Key takeaways from the poll include:

• There is bipartisan support for smart policies designed to increase the adoption of electric vehicles. An overwhelming 79% of voters support providing consumer incentives that would reduce the purchase price of electric vehicles, and 69% of voters would support federal, state, and local investments to expand the electric vehicle charging network. 
• 59% of voters—including 83% of Democrats and 39% of Republicans—believe that increasing EV adoption will have a positive impact on jobs and the economy. Today, it is rare to find such strong bipartisan support. 
• Electric vehicles are becoming a real consideration for many vehicle consumers. 71% of Americans are considering an electric vehicle for their next vehicle purchase or lease. 1 in 5 survey respondents said they will “definitely choose” an electric vehicle for their next purchase, and an additional 27% will “strongly consider” an electric vehicle.
• There has been a noticeable uptick in improved perceptions of electric vehicles generally over the last year. Voters realize the positive impact that electric vehicles can have on improving the environment, on boosting our health, on supporting the economy and creating new jobs, and on strengthening vehicle safety.
• Electric vehicles are officially “cooler” than gas-powered vehicles. When compared head-to-head, EVs are now considered the “cooler” option. This signals a sea change in perceptions for electric vehicles.

This poll was conducted from February 14, 2022 to February 22, 2022. The poll surveyed 1,000 likely voters who are also vehicle lessees or owners, and the poll had a margin of error of +/-3.1%. ZETA commissioned Seven Letter, which includes a leading public opinion research division, to conduct the poll.

Last week, ZETA published a report that compares the cost of operating electric vehicles and gas-powered vehicles. The report shows that EVs are 3–5 times cheaper to drive per mile than gas-powered vehicles, and in several states, EVs are nearly 6 times cheaper to drive. This corroborates a new Consumer Reports analysis that EVs can save drivers up to $2,600 per year in operating and maintenance costs. EVs’ increasingly dramatic cost savings will likely continue to drive positive consumer sentiments about EVs compared to gas-powered vehicles.