A new report from Verra Mobility examines consumer attitudes toward electric vehicle (EV) adoption in the United States. The findings, based on a survey of 2,000 Americans aged 25 and older, indicate that nearly half of respondents plan to purchase an EV within the next five years. Despite concerns about market conditions and media speculation regarding a slowdown in EV adoption, data suggests a steady trajectory, albeit at a slower pace than previously anticipated.
Verra Mobility’s second annual EV survey highlights that only 7% of respondents currently own an EV, while 27% have driven one. The survey also reveals that 51% of consumers would purchase an EV if upfront costs were not a factor. Additionally, 70% of respondents expressed interest in renting an EV before committing to ownership, though 73% admitted they would not know how to charge one if they rented it.
Consumer Concerns and Perceptions About EVs
The report identifies several key concerns among consumers regarding EV ownership. Charging infrastructure remains a significant issue, with 50% of respondents citing the availability of charging stations as their primary concern. Additionally, 63% believe maintenance costs for EVs are higher than those of gasoline-powered vehicles, and 42% think they are more likely to require roadside assistance with an EV.
Concerns about running out of battery before reaching a destination persist, with 37% of respondents expressing worry about range limitations. The study also found that 72% of consumers believe EVs are as safe as or safer than gasoline vehicles. However, only 27% of those considering an EV purchase felt confident they would know how to charge one without additional instruction.
Municipal Readiness and Infrastructure Challenges
Verra Mobility also surveyed 100 municipal chief information officers (CIOs) and deputy CIOs to assess urban EV infrastructure readiness. The study found that 48% of municipal officials expect EVs to make up most personal vehicles within the next decade. However, 38% of respondents stated that their cities had not yet determined how to provide sufficient charging facilities.
Challenges related to supporting EV charging infrastructure were cited as reasons for municipalities deprioritizing EV-related investments. Nearly half of municipal officials expressed concerns about the ability of existing power grids to support increased EV charging demands. Additionally, 43% stated that consumer demand had not aligned with initial projections, affecting infrastructure expansion efforts.
Renting as an Entry Point for EV Adoption
The survey found that renting remains a preferred method for consumers interested in EVs. While only 13% of respondents had rented an EV for personal or business use, 70% indicated they would consider renting one as a way to assess ownership suitability. This represents a slight decline from the previous year when 78% of respondents expressed interest in EV rentals.
Despite this interest, 77% of those considering renting an EV said they would conduct their own research before doing so. Additionally, 73% stated they would need guidance on how to charge the vehicle.
Conclusion
The 2025 Verra Mobility report suggests that while EV adoption in the U.S. continues, challenges related to infrastructure, cost, and consumer education remain. Concerns about charging access, maintenance costs, and reliability are persistent factors influencing consumer hesitancy. However, data indicates that a significant portion of consumers are still planning to transition to electric vehicles in the coming years.