Here’s How Consumers Feel About Transportation Needs

New research from TEI found 69% of consumers would drive five minutes out of their way to save 5 cents per gallon.

July 29, 2025

What is the consumer’s current state of mind regarding their transportation needs, the price of gasoline, their potential to buy a new vehicle and their perspective on fuel alternatives?

The Transportation Energy Institute (TEI) released a new white paper, Consumer Survey 2025: Driver Behaviors and Perspectives, which presents findings from a recent consumer survey to help decision makers better understand the driver.

“The consumers’ perspective evolves based on their general mindset around the overall economy and their personal preferences, and this mindset can impact which vehicle technologies or energy options will be most successful,” said John Eichberger, TEI executive director. “It is essential to understand what they think and how they behave to ensure that the solutions being offered to them fit their needs and preferences.”

In collaboration with the NACS and TEI, the research firm Bold Decision conducted online interviews among American adults nationwide, finding: 

  • Consumers remain concerned about fuel prices—72% still said price is most the important factor when deciding where to buy gas, and 69% would drive five minutes out of their way to save 5 cents per gallon.
  • Most are pessimistic about buying/leasing a vehicle—50% think now is a bad time to buy/lease, 64% think prices will be higher next year, and only 39% are likely to purchase or lease a new vehicle in the next two years.
  • Consumers are increasingly positive about EVs—44% have a positive attitude towards EVs and 31% are more positive than last year

NACS Magazine will feature a three-part series in the September, October and November issues sharing exclusive consumer survey insights on how to get more consumers to the pump, converting them to in-store customers and addressing perceptions (both good and bad) that they have about the industry.

Previous NACS consumer research looked at how commuter and hybrid worker shopping behavior differs (NACS Convenience Matters podcast: How Eating Patterns Differ for Commuters vs. Remote Workers; NACS Magazine: Know Your Hybrid, Remote and Commuter Customers) and insights into what consumers want most with convenience (NACS Magazine: The Word Customers Associate With Convenience; NACS Convenience Matters podcast: The Word Customers Associate With Convenience).