While some drivers may say they are interested in or open to purchasing a battery electric vehicle (EVs) or plug-in hybrid, a recent Transportation Energy Institute (TEI) survey found that this interest has not translated to more drivers making the switch to an EV over an internal combustion engine option.
John Eichberger, executive director at TEI, shared insights from Consumer Survey: 2025 Driver Behaviors and Perspectives during a recent Convenience Matters podcast.
The survey found that 82% of consumers would consider a gasoline vehicle for their next purchase, likely within the next two years. Meanwhile, 37% said they're likely to consider a hybrid vehicle. Hybrids continue to be on an upward trend—up almost 70% in the last two years in terms of vehicle sold, said Eichberger.
“You don't have to plug in a traditional hybrid; it recharges through operations so there's no change in behavior and you're getting the benefits of acceleration and efficiency. If we think back to everything we've learned about consumers, it’s that they don't want to change their behavior unless it's their choice,” said Eichberger.
Meanwhile, the TEI survey found less than one-third of consumers said they would consider purchasing a battery electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. “EVs are only about 8% of sales and 28% of consumers said they would consider one,” said Eichberger.
He added that the key factor is understanding what consumers want in an EV, which is similar features, capabilities, amenities and comfort found in the two dominant gas-powered models on the market today: SUVs and crossovers. “If you look at the best-selling EV, it's a crossover utility vehicle—far and away,” he said, adding that this is “a lesson that the automakers need to pay attention to, because they still want to sell EVs.”
Whether an EV purchase is in their future, the survey found that consumers have a more favorable attitude toward EVs than they used to: 44% of consumers have a positive attitude compared to 31% in 2024.
It remains to be seen how quickly, or slowly, consumers will be willing to make their openness to purchasing an EV the reality of purchasing one. Eichberger, who’s seen more surveys and market predictions over the past decade than he can count, heeds some sage advice:
“When somebody tells you, ‘This is what the future is going to be,’ don't buy into it. It's a potential future. It's a possible future predicated on so many factors being a certain way,” he said.
“We can't know every element that could affect the trajectory of the market, so the best we can do is prepare to be flexible and nimble, and then we can take advantage of trends when they show up,” Eichberger said, adding, “And when the trends fail or fade, we can shift and capitalize on what our customers need. … Follow the facts and follow the trends.”
Listen to the full podcast, “New Insights on Driving Behaviors and Perceptions,” and download the TEI report for more insights and information.