A recent survey by Consumer Reports reveals that 50% of prospective car buyers in the United States are interested in test driving a battery electric vehicle (BEV) for their next car purchase, underscoring the growing curiosity surrounding sustainable vehicle options.
This interest holds even among consumers who may not be ready to commit to an electric vehicle (EV) purchase immediately, suggesting broader consumer openness to cleaner technologies.
Chris Harto, senior policy analyst for transportation and energy at Consumer Reports, emphasized the importance of firsthand experience in fostering consumer confidence in new technologies.
“Test drives can be a really important tool to help consumers better understand new vehicle technologies,” Harto said. “Our research has shown a positive relationship between direct experience with electric vehicles and consumer purchase interest. When you’re shopping for a car, there’s no substitute for firsthand experience.”
The Consumer Reports study aimed to explore consumers’ experiences and expectations regarding hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and BEV options. According to the study, 34% of shoppers at car dealerships are actively seeking information on these cleaner vehicle types, highlighting a trend of broad interest in alternatives to traditional gasoline-powered cars.
Respondents noted key information they wish to learn about, including battery life, ownership costs, fuel and maintenance savings, insurance rates, and charging options, as well as available tax incentives and real-world driving range under different conditions.
“Consumer interest in cleaner vehicle types continues to be strong, but many consumers still have a lot of questions,” Harto added. “They need help navigating the rapid technological change occurring in the car market. Dealers are on the front lines of this transition to cleaner vehicles, and they can play an important role in helping consumers understand these new technologies.” According to Harto, dealerships that embrace this shift can gain a competitive edge as hybrid and zero-emission EV sales grow.