A recent study has revealed that most Tesla owners in 2024 have switched from electric vehicles (EVs) to combustion engine models, with only 32 percent choosing to stay electric. The study found that 51 percent of Tesla owners moved to pure internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, while 10 percent opted for hybrids and 6 percent selected plug-in hybrids.
This trend aligns with a McKinsey & Co. survey, which showed that nearly half (46 percent) of EV owners in the United States are likely to return to combustion-powered vehicles for their next purchase. Despite these figures, the situation represents a notable improvement from previous years. According to Edmunds, in 2020, a substantial 76 percent of Tesla owners left their EVs for ICE vehicles, with just 9 percent transitioning to other electric models.
Tesla owners have historically shown a tendency to leave the EV market. This shift could indicate that living with an electric vehicle in North America is becoming easier over time. However, current statistics suggest that further enhancements are needed to make EV ownership more attractive to a wider audience.
Interestingly, more buyers are now replacing their Teslas with electric vehicles from established automakers. This shift is somewhat expected, given Tesla’s evolution from a pioneering EV brand to facing numerous competitors across mainstream segments.
Hybrids and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), while gaining popularity among new car buyers, do not appear to be a preferred choice for former Tesla owners. Although the proportion of Tesla owners switching to PHEVs is higher than the overall PHEV market rate, this is likely because these former EV owners are already familiar with the challenges of vehicle charging.
Overall, the study underscores the ongoing challenges and evolving dynamics within the EV market as manufacturers strive to meet the needs and preferences of consumers.
Missing: reference to the study…