The Global EV Drivers Alliance (GEVA) has unveiled the results of the world’s first global survey of electric vehicle (EV) drivers, providing unprecedented insights into the EV driving experience. With responses from over 23,000 EV drivers in 18 countries, the survey reveals that 92% of EV owners plan to buy another zero-emission EV for their next vehicle.

Key Findings

• EV Satisfaction is Overwhelming:Only 1% of respondents indicated they would return to a petrol or diesel car, while 4% would opt for a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV). This confirms that the overwhelming majority of EV drivers are satisfied with their choice.

  “This is a remarkably high number and confirms that EVs are here to stay,” said Joel Levin, Chair of GEVA.

• Primary Motivations:
  • Lower Operating Costs: The top reason for buying an EV was economic, reflecting the lower costs of ownership compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
  • Environmental Benefits: Climate impact ranked as the second most important motivation.

• Challenges Remain:While most EV drivers are satisfied with the charging infrastructure in their regions, key concerns include:

  • Limited availability of fast chargers.
  • Time-consuming nature of charging.
  • Frequent downtime of charging stations.

  “EV drivers desire convenience, and consumer-friendly charging solutions will be critical for mass-market adoption,” said Christian Peter, Director of EMC ElektroMobilitätsClub Austria.

Survey Scope and Methodology

The survey ran from August 27 to November 20, 2024, reaching over 23,000 EV drivers via GEVA’s 64 member organizations across 18 countries. Responses were weighted based on each country’s share of the global EV fleet, ensuring representative results.

This groundbreaking survey underscores the importance of understanding EV drivers’ needs and preferences. “To succeed and increase EV adoption worldwide, in-depth knowledge about EV drivers is vital,” said Silvia Rojas, Executive Director of Costa Rica’s ASOMOVE.

The Road Ahead

GEVA’s survey highlights key areas for policymakers and stakeholders to address as EV adoption continues to grow:

1. Enhance Charging Infrastructure: Focus on expanding fast-charging networks and reducing downtime to improve user experience.
2. Promote Affordability: Making EVs accessible to all income groups will accelerate adoption globally.
3. Support Sustainability: Continued emphasis on the environmental and economic benefits of EVs will reinforce their appeal.

The findings demonstrate that the EV revolution is well underway, driven by high satisfaction among current owners and a commitment to sustainability. As electric mobility expands, initiatives like this survey will be vital in guiding the transition to zero-emission transport systems.

Source: Link (GEVO, 2024)

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.