America Splits Into Thirds on Electric Cars

Thirty-four percent of Americans would consider an electric vehicle (EV) for their next car. Thirty-one percent are not open to it. The 35% in the middle are still making up their minds.

That’s the conclusion from a new Reuters/Ipsos poll on America’s attitudes toward electric cars. Americans are split roughly into thirds on acceptance of EVs…

Sales will speed up, Reuters and Ipsos found, if range increases. Thirty-five percent of respondents “wanted an EV that offered 500 or more miles of electric driving range per full charge.”…

Another 37% of respondents said they need at least 300 miles of range…

Price is, unsurprisingly, also a factor. More than half of respondents — 56% — would be willing to pay no more than $49,999 for an EV. The average new EV sold for $58,385, according to Kelley Blue Book estimates, which is still well above the price of the average new car.