Nearly Half of U.S. EV Owners Considering Switch Back to Combustion Engines, McKinsey Survey Finds

A recent survey conducted by McKinsey & Co. has revealed surprising insights into the attitudes of electric vehicle (EV) owners globally. According to the survey, which polled 30,000 individuals who regularly use mobility services, 29% of EV owners worldwide are likely to switch back to an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. In the United States, this number is even higher, with 46% of respondents indicating a likelihood to switch back to ICE vehicles.

McKinsey identified several key reasons behind this potential shift, including concerns over subpar charging infrastructure, the perceived high total cost of EV ownership, and limitations on driving patterns for long-distance trips.

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The findings have sparked skepticism among electric vehicle advocates, especially considering efforts by companies like Tesla to address these very issues. Tesla, for instance, has been actively expanding its rapid charging network across the United States, which has been a significant factor in attracting and retaining EV customers.

Members of the EV community have also expressed surprise at the survey results, noting that the findings do not align with their own experiences. The prevailing belief among many EV enthusiasts is that once individuals experience driving an electric vehicle, they are unlikely to return to combustion-powered cars.

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Philipp Kampshoff, leader of McKinsey’s Center for Future Mobility, expressed similar surprise at the survey results. In a comment to Automotive News, Kampshoff stated, “I didn’t expect that. I thought, ‘Once an EV buyer, always an EV buyer.’”

Despite these findings, the survey also highlighted a strong interest in EVs among car buyers, with 38% of respondents who currently do not drive an EV stating that they would consider a battery electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid as their next vehicle. Additionally, 59% of EV buyers expressed a desire to use more digital connectivity services in the future.

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McKinsey & Co.’s survey can be viewed below: