Electric vehicles are losing calls for new drivers in Western countries, even as existing owners report increased satisfaction with battery-powered vehicles, according to a survey conducted by Shell Plc.
The survey shows that high upfront costs remain a major obstacle to adopting electric vehicles, with drivers of gasoline-powered vehicles in the United States and Europe reporting interest in conversions is declining.
“Although current EV drivers feel more confident, the relatively high cost of owning electric vehicles, coupled with broader economic pressures, is a tough decision for new consumers,” Shell said in a statement on Tuesday. In Europe, 43% of non-EV drivers call affordability an issue.
Differences over EV attitudes are growing in a Shell survey of more than 15,000 drivers in China, Europe and the United States. According to the survey, the level of interest to switch to electric vehicles among internal combustion engine drivers in the United States is 31%, compared with 34% in 2024. Interest rates for non-EV drivers in Europe fell to 41% from 48% last year.
Shell said that only China has gained significant gains among the countries surveyed, while bikes with electric vehicle drivers have risen from 72% to an impressive 89% “. The country stands out globally for its significant advances in technology and the cost of battery-powered cars.
Globally, nine of the current 10 EV drivers indicate that they will consider making a similar purchase for their next car. According to the survey, about 60% of electric vehicle drivers said they don’t have to worry now, while three-quarters of drivers said three-quarters of drivers said availability and choice of public charging points has increased.
Although Shell has retreated from some of its low-carbon venture capital, the company remains committed to electric vehicles and has over 75,000 charging points worldwide. “More things have to be done to stimulate demand and make sure no one stays in the transition to cleaner transportation,” Bunch said.
