Survey Proves, Electric Vehicle Owners Are Averse To Switching To Gasoline Cars

Tesla is still the favorite electric car in the US. (photo: tesla)

JAKARTA – A survey of electric vehicle owners in the United States was launched by JD Power on Thursday, January 27. The results of this survey show that a person who owns an electric vehicle for the first time is reluctant to switch back to a gasoline-fueled car. Even as concerns continue to loom over the availability of charging infrastructure.

EV sales in the United States have soared to a record high earlier this month with sales of 434,879 new units on the way. However, demand for their hybrid cars remains strong as many customers are pulling away from EVs due to higher prices, limited driving range, and fewer charging stations than needed.

"We know from our research that many consumers have concerns during the purchase consideration process with aspects such as battery coverage and vehicle charging," said Brent Gruber, senior global automotive director at JD Power, as quoted by Reuters. "However, once someone buys a BEV, they are very hooked."

The 2022 US Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) ownership study showed that satisfaction among owners new to BEVs averaged 754 (on a 1,000-point scale), which is comparable to 766 among BEV veterans (those who had owned a BEV before the current car).

The study found that the Tesla Model 3 ranked highest overall and highest in the premium BEV segment with a score of 777. The Kia Niro EV ranked highest in the mass market BEV segment for the second year in a row with a score of 744.

The study considers factors including the accuracy of the stated battery range, availability of common charging stations, cost of ownership, driving pleasure, ease of charging at home, interior and exterior styling, safety features and technology, service experience, and vehicle quality and reliability.