60% of Americans Unaware of Electric Cars

About 60% of Americans remain unaware of battery-electric vehicles and 80% have never driven or ridden in one, according to a new survey from Altman Vilandrie & Co.

by Staff

December 28, 2016

60% of Americans Unaware of Electric Cars — *Photo courtesy of Volvo.*

1 min to read

About 60% of Americans remain unaware of battery-electric vehicles and 80% have never driven or ridden in one, according to a new survey from Altman Vilandrie & Co.

More than 2,500 consumers were questioned in the survey, which also found that a clear majority of consumers who have been inside an EV enjoyed it and many more consumers would purchase an EV if lower-priced models were available.

The arrival of lower-priced EVs in 2017 could increase adoption with the arrival of the Chevrolet Bolt and Tesla Model 3, which are expected to cost around $35,000. Chevrolet has begun shipping its vehicle, while the Tesla model should arrive in late 2017.

The release of less expensive models by other automakers would boost EV adoption by nearly 24 times the current market, Altman Vilandrie & Co. reported.

The survey shows that a perceived lack of charging stations (85%), high costs (83%) and uncertainty over duration of charge (74%) were the top reasons for not wanting to purchase an EV.

About 3% of survey respondents said they currently own an EV, while 10% said they plan to buy an EV as their next car. About 60% of consumers who have experienced an EV say they enjoyed the experience, while only 8% reported not enjoying it.

More Green Fleet

Rendering of electric vehicles charging beneath a solar-panel canopy, illustrating Inspiration Mobility Group’s acquisition of Electrada assets to expand commercial fleet electrification services.

Green Fleet•by News/Media Release•June 17, 2026

Inspiration Mobility Acquires Key Electrada Assets

Inspiration Mobility Group has acquired select assets of Electrada, adding the fleet electrification provider's team, technology, and charging infrastructure development capabilities to its energy management business.

Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter

Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.

Are You Tracking Your Fleet's True Total Cost of Ownership?

Bobit Business Media surveyed 190 fleet professionals and found that while most fleets are tracking costs, fragmented systems and data gaps are keeping true TCO visibility out of reach. With rising pressure to control spend in an increasingly volatile environment, the gap between what fleets think they know and what the data actually shows is wider than you might expect. See how your peers are managing costs today and where the industry still has room to improve.

Hybrids: Electrification Without the Challenges

For fleet managers, fuel is one of the biggest line items in the budget — and it's one hybrids can shrink without changing how your people work. Download the eBook to see the numbers, understand the technology, and get a step-by-step guide to making the switch.