Politics Playing Lesser Role With Electric Car Buyers

Political influence on electric vehicle interest is waning, according to a new study. AutoPacific's recent EV Consumer Insights Study found that while political identity still factors in to EV ownership, it may be becoming less of a factor for future EV acceptance. Researchers say the study of over 12,000 EV owners, acceptors and rejectors was conducted in June 2024 and investigates consumer sentiment regarding EVs, from ownership reasons to rejection reasons, including the role of cost, charging, the environment, and politics.  AutoPacific says despite headlines claiming otherwise,  EVs continue to appeal to a larger and more mainstream audience, with sales and market share continuing to grow,  meaning that shoppers from all walks of life and a diversity of viewpoints are increasingly interested in EVs.

Future EV Acceptors Show Less Political Differentiation than Current Owners

New to AutoPacific’s survey this year, respondents were asked to identify the political party with which they most align. The study found that more Democrats than Republicans are current EV or plug-in hybrid owners. Here's a look at the stats:

• 54% of current EV owners and 60% of current PHEV owners identify themselves as Democrat 
• 30% of EV owners and 26% of PHEV owners identify as Republican

“Our analyses of EV owners over the years have clearly shown a correlation between more left-leaning political views and EV early adopters,” says AutoPacific Director of Marketing and Consumers Insights Deborah Grieb. “But as EVs continue to expand across brands, vehicle types and price ranges, that association is showing signs of fading.”

When you look at those who plan to consider or buy an EV in the future, the gap between political distinctions gets smaller. AutoPacific’s says its study found of respondents who intend to purchase an EV or will consider purchasing one in the future:

• Less than half (46%) of respondents identify as Democrat
• 28% are Republican
• 24% are Independent or third party.
  
  

Politics Are Not to Blame for EV Rejection

In this year's study, fewer people are also citing political beliefs as the reason they've rejected EVs. AutoPacific says just 8% of respondents who will not consider acquiring an EV in the future say it’s because “EVs are not aligned with my political beliefs,” compared to 10% of EV Rejectors in last year’s study. Of those 8%, 62% are Republican and 13% are Democrat.

“When it comes to EV rejection, politics do play a small role, albeit a declining one,” says Grieb, “but rejection of EVs is much more likely to be due to charging and cost concerns.”

AutoPacific says EV rejection has been a focus of it research in recent years as automakers evaluate their powertrain offerings, deciding between hybrid, PHEV, EV and hydrogen.