McKinsey survey shows improved EV satisfaction among U.S. consumers

A new McKinsey & Co. survey shows that consumer frustrations with electric vehicles have eased in the United States. According to the firm’s annual “Consumer Pulse” survey, 76 percent of current EV owners plan to purchase another battery-electric vehicle for their next car, while 15 percent indicated a preference for switching to a plug-in hybrid.

This marks a notable shift from last year’s survey results, when 46 percent of EV owners said they were likely to return to combustion-engine vehicles for their next purchase. Improvements in charging infrastructure were cited as a key factor behind the increased satisfaction. McKinsey’s Philipp Kampshoff said that pain points related to charging are “starting to come down,” noting increases in public chargers, fast-charging availability, and charger reliability. He also pointed to wider access to the Tesla Supercharger network and modest gains in EV range—up 13 miles on average—as contributing factors.

Only 24 percent of EV owners now report insufficient local charging infrastructure, and 22 percent say they are still forced to alter travel plans for longer trips. Both figures represent a decline compared to previous results.

Despite improvements, challenges remain. Battery longevity remains a concern for 34 percent of respondents. Thirty-one percent said public charging remains too slow, and 25 percent indicated difficulty finding open chargers when needed. Other areas of improvement include increased satisfaction with residual values and total cost of ownership.

The McKinsey data follows S&P Global Mobility reporting a 14 percent year-over-year rise in monthly EV registrations as of February. EVs accounted for 7.2 percent of the total vehicle market at that time, compared to 6.1 percent a year earlier.

However, future market conditions remain uncertain. President Donald Trump has stated that he intends to eliminate the $7,500 EV tax credit included in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. While removing the credit entirely would require congressional action, adjustments to implementation guidelines by the Treasury Department could reduce availability, potentially dampening consumer demand.

Simultaneously, rising trade tensions with China are likely to complicate EV production. The United States recently imposed 145 percent tariffs on certain Chinese imports, and China responded with a 125 percent tariff that took effect on April 12.

Among all U.S. consumers, EV interest remains steady. Twelve percent of respondents said they plan to buy a battery-electric vehicle next, up one percentage point from last year. Seventeen percent of consumers expressed interest in plug-in hybrids, compared to 13 percent in 2024.

McKinsey suggests that plug-in hybrids may appeal to consumers as a transitional technology. Kampshoff stated that plug-in hybrids address common concerns related to range anxiety and charging access. The survey also included a look at extended-range electric vehicles (E-REVs), which use a gasoline generator to charge the battery once depleted. These vehicles typically offer 100 to 150 miles of electric range and an additional 250 to 300 miles using the onboard generator.

Sixty-three percent of respondents said this type of range would meet their needs, while 47 percent said E-REVs would reduce their range anxiety. Interest in E-REVs was especially high among suburban residents and consumers aged 45 and older. McKinsey’s Patrick Hertzke said that E-REVs appeal primarily to buyers considering combustion, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid options rather than those already committed to battery-electric vehicles.

McKinsey expects E-REV models to begin entering showrooms within the next year. The survey included approximately 26,000 global respondents and asked more than 150 questions related to mobility and potential disruptions.