Early adopters of electrification embraced the technology despite higher prices, limited model selection, and sparse charging infrastructure. Motivated by environmental values and an enthusiasm for emerging technologies, these pioneers were willing to take risks to prove that EVs could work in real-world conditions.
Now, the landscape has changed. More models are on the market, charging networks continue to expand, and prices are gradually becoming more accessible. Whether you already own an electric vehicle (EV) and want to understand how your experience compares to drivers in other cities, or you're thinking about switching but still have questions about budget, range, and charging infrastructure, this whitepaper is for you.
Based on survey responses from Electrify Expo attendees in eight major U.S. cities, this analysis reveals how regional differences shape EV attitudes, and what current and future EV owners should know.
Executive Summary
This whitepaper draws on survey responses from 6,193 Electrify Expo attendees in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Seattle, Chicago, Orlando, New York, and Dallas. The group includes both EV owners and those still considering the switch. More than half (62%) of respondents don’t currently own an EV, offering insight into what's holding people back. The remaining 38% who own an EV reveal the conditions and motivations that support adoption.
The data reveals a persistent gap between perception and reality around EV range, significant regional differences in consumer priorities, and a clear shift from early-adopter motivations such as environmental values and tech curiosity toward more practical concerns centered on cost, reliability, and day-to-day usability.
Key Findings: EV Adoption and Barriers
Price Remains a Concern
Unsurprisingly, price continues to be the strongest concern among both current EV owners and those who don't yet own one. More than half of respondents (60.4%) identified their primary motivator when buying a vehicle as getting the best price, and more than three-quarters (77.5%) are looking for vehicles priced below $50,000. If you're worried about cost, you're in the majority. And yes, many EVs still cost more upfront than comparable gas vehicles.
However, the gap is narrower than most people think. The average transaction price (ATP) for a new vehicle in the U.S. recently reached $50,0801, surpassing the price target of many shoppers. Meanwhile, the ATP for a new EV sits at $58,1242. Although this difference is still $8,000, the gap has narrowed from approximately $15,000 to $18,000 just a few years ago. The difference is shrinking fast, though many shoppers may still assume EVs cost more than they actually do.
Additionally, the total cost of ownership is cheaper for an EV than it is for a gas-powered vehicle. Over five years, a Chevy Equinox EV costs $5,500 less compared to an ICE Equinox.3 While EV buyers need more up front, they’ll spend less month to month on fuel and maintenance. These annual savings should also be factored into purchasing decisions based on price.
Range Anxiety vs. Reality
Range anxiety is one of the most talked-about concerns about EVs. More than 96% of respondents expressed concern about the range, even though 84.3% of them drive fewer than 100 miles a day — well within the capability of most modern EVs.
For many Americans, this gap between perceived needs and real-world driving behavior mirrors a broader pattern. Consumers frequently overestimate vehicle requirements across segments: full-size trucks dominate driveways despite most owners towing rarely or not at all, three-row SUVs are purchased by families that rarely truly need three rows, and all-wheel drive is often considered essential even in regions with mild climates. In the EV conversation, the same pattern emerges. Shoppers believe they need 400 miles of range, even though 93% of daily trips are less than 30 miles4.
In practice, many EVs can support an entire week's worth of driving with a single charge. For drivers with a home charger, plugging in once or twice a week would eliminate daily charging concerns or public charging needs altogether. Additionally, for road trips. fast-charging networks now cover most major highways. So, the real question isn't whether range is enough — it probably is. The question is whether you have convenient access to charging where you live or work.
You Don't Have to Do It for the Planet
Environmental values helped define the early wave of EV buyers. Many of the first mainstream EVs, like the Nissan Leaf or Chevrolet Bolt, were purchased by consumers willing to sacrifice convenience or luxury features in favor of a lower environmental footprint. For some buyers and regions, that tradeoff was worth it.
However, the data shows that's no longer the typical motivation. Only 1.6% of surveyed consumers cited reducing pollution as their primary reason for purchasing an EV. While environmental benefits matter to many people, they're usually a secondary consideration rather than the main driver.
Whether you're considering an EV primarily for practical reasons like cost, lower maintenance, performance, or tech, or you already own one for those reasons, you're in the majority. The environmental benefits are a welcome bonus, but they don't have to be your main motivations.
Reliability Over Luxury
Early adopters often valued having the latest and greatest technology and were willing to pay premium prices for it. But as EVs move into the mainstream, priorities are shifting. More than half of respondents (57.5%) say they prioritize reliability over luxury. Many shoppers may assume that EVs are luxury vehicles by default, but that's no longer the case. Affordable models like the Hyundai Kona Electric ($34,470), Chevrolet Equinox EV ($36,495), Toyota bZ ($36,350), and Nissan Leaf ($31,485) cater to budget-conscious consumers who still want the benefits of electrification. The trend is even accelerating for 2026. Hyundai has lowered prices on models like the Ioniq 5, bringing them closer to entry-level ICE vehicles. As pricing becomes more accessible and reliability rises in importance, EVs are increasingly positioned as practical daily drivers rather than tech-forward splurges.
Current Owners vs. Potential Buyers
If you're considering an EV, you might wonder whether current owners are fundamentally different people with different needs. If you already own an EV, you might be curious how your situation compares to others. The answer might be surprising: the groups are remarkably similar.
Both current EV owners and potential buyers drive the same daily distances (84% driving fewer than 100 miles per day), need similar vehicle sizes (around 70% need fewer than six seats), care equally about getting a good price, and share similar levels of environmental concern (about 15% cite it as a major factor).
The main difference isn't attitude or values, it's actually budget. Current EV owners tend to have a bigger budget. While both groups care equally about price (62% vs. 58%), non-EV owners are more likely to have tighter budgets. 41% of potential buyers have budgets under $30,000, compared to just 24% of current EV owners.
How Location Affects Your EV Experience
Where you live significantly impacts both the decision to go electric and the day-to-day experience of ownership. Climate, charging infrastructure, commuting patterns, and cultural attitudes about technology and luxury all play a role. Here's what the data shows for seven major metro areas.
The Environmental Early Adopter — San Francisco
San Francisco respondents represent the prototypical early EV adopter: environmentally conscious (33.5% environmental focus, highest among all cities), urban-focused (45.9% drive primarily short distances around town), and practical-minded (59.9% prioritize practical features) with modest enthusiasm for technology. They tied with Los Angeles for the highest EV adoption rates, with just under half of respondents owning an EV.
When it comes to driving behaviors, these drivers are the least likely to have a long daily commute (6%, tied with Seattle), and of all the cities included in this survey, they were the least likely to need a vehicle that could seat more than six people (28.4%). Their budgets fell in the middle of the range, with 24.7% requiring a vehicle under $30,000 and 22.2% having a budget of more than $50,000.
Compact EVs excel in this region for city parking and short-range urban driving. There's strong charging infrastructure in this area, too, so EV ownership is practical even without home charging. EVs that fit this market well include the Chevy Equinox EV, Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Mini Cooper Countryman, and Nissan Leaf.
The Aspirational Adopter — Los Angeles
Moving south of San Francisco, we find a different shopper in Los Angeles. While LA tied with San Francisco in their percentage of EV adopters at just under half (47.3%), the similarities stop there. Respondents from LA reported having significantly longer commutes (9.4% drive 100+ miles daily, among the highest), the second-highest share of premium budgets (25.1%), and the lowest weather concerns (22.8%) among all cities.
EVs with longer range will be good for long Southern California commutes. Additionally, performance and style matter in this city with a large car culture, and mild weather means no need for all-weather capability or concerns about cold-weather range reductions. Popular choices that align with this mindset include the Audi Q4 e-tron, Audi Q6 e-tron, BMW i4, BMW i5, and BMW i7. Additionally, a plug-in-hybrid like the BMW XM provides the best of both worlds: 31 miles of all-electric range plus a tank of gas for longer distances.
The Urban Pragmatist — New York
New York presents one of the clearest contrasts in the dataset: strong fundamentals but low adoption. Despite having the second-highest purchasing power (25.6% over $50,000 budget, second only to Seattle), an eco-conscious lifestyle (32.2%, third highest), and urban driving patterns (45.9% around town, tied with San Francisco), EV adoption sits at just 31.8%, tied with Orlando for the lowest rate.
It’s worth noting that New York is an anomaly, with only 45% of households owning a car, compared to 92% nationally.5 Of respondents, a majority were living in New York City, where they have access to more robust mass transit than almost anywhere else in the country and are less likely to drive.
The barriers are clear, though. New York shows the second-highest weather concerns (71%, after Chicago), and harsh winters are a critical consideration. Plus, infrastructure challenges, like apartment and condo dwellers face limited charging access, and street parking dominates many neighborhoods.
Compact premium EVs with all-wheel drive will work best for this region, which is characterized by tight parking and winter capability. Urban-friendly EVs like the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, Volvo EX30, Audi Q4 e-tron, Cadillac Optiq, Genesis GV60, and Chevrolet Bolt will be good for New York.
The Wealthy Pragmatist — Seattle
Seattle represents the ideal EV market: strongest purchasing power (26.6% over $50,000, highest among all cities) and least budget-constrained (only 29.1% under $30,000, lowest among cities). The city shows high EV adoption at 43.1%, is the most environmentally focused (16.4% cite environmental concerns as primary vehicle shopping priority), and has significant all-weather needs (58.2%, third highest). They're also mostly urban drivers, tied for the least likely to have a long daily commute with San Francisco.
Premium EVs with strong weather capability for mountain passes and occasional snow align well with local preferences, like the Genesis GV60, Cadillac Optiq, Polestar 4, and BMW iX.
The Aspirational Cost Saver — Chicago
Chicago presents an interesting contradiction: balancing luxury interest with cost consciousness. Nearly half (47.6%) love luxury brands, second highest after New York, and they're the least likely to want practical features at just 52.4%. Yet they're likely to drive extra miles to save on gas (46.4%, a close second among all cities).
Weather dominates Chicago's vehicle needs: 78.6% require all-weather capability, above any other city. Combined with high-tech adoption and mid-to-high range budgets, Chicago buyers want vehicles that deliver a luxury feel with value.
Look for premium EVs that will perform well in winter, in terms of all-weather capability and a range that can buffer cold-weather range reductions, like the Audi Q4 e-tron, Polestar 2, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, and Volvo C40.
The Tech-Savvy Cost Optimizer — Dallas
Dallas is an interesting blend of technology, enthusiasm, and cost consciousness. The city has the highest tech adoption among cities (36%) and a keen interest in luxury vehicles (45.8%). But they also watch their wallets closely; they're the most likely city (47.7%) to drive extra miles to save on gas. Dallas also has middle-tier EV adoption (36.2%, sixth among eight cities) with moderate weather concerns (34.8% need occasional all-weather capability). Buyers here tend to have longer commutes (48.9% drive 20-100 miles daily, the highest among cities), but their environmental focus remains low at 16.6%, the second lowest among cities.
EVs with tech features that prioritize infotainment and driver-assist systems will satisfy the tech interests of this region. Recommended models include the Cadillac Lyriq, Mustang Mach-E, Chevrolet Blazer, Genesis GV60, Audi Q4 e-tron, Polestar 2, Tesla Model 3, and Tesla Model Y.
The Suburbanite Commuter — Phoenix
Phoenix is the most likely city to have a commute of over 100 miles, and it also shows strong tech adoption (29.5%, second highest after Dallas). Also similar to Dallas, Phoenix buyers have strong luxury interest (43.6%) but remain cost-conscious (45.1% drive extra miles to save on gas). They have middle-of-the-pack budgets and moderate EV adoption (36.4%) with moderate environmental motivation.
Longer commutes mean range and charging times matter more. Recommended models include the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Hyundai Kona EV, Chevrolet Equinox EV, and Ford Mustang Mach-E.
The Budget-Conscious Family — Orlando
Orlando is the most challenging market for EV adoption: most budget-constrained (40% under $30,000, highest), lowest premium buyers (only 20.1% over $50,000, lowest), and most practical-focused (60.3%). The city shows the lowest EV adoption (31.6%), the lowest environmental focus (5.7% cite the environment as a vehicle shopping priority; the lowest by far), and the lowest tech enthusiasm (17.6%). These buyers have the most variable driving patterns and prioritize affordability and proven reliability above all else. Additionally, they have the largest families, with 37.8% needing more than six seats, the highest among cities.
Since budget is a primary concern for Orlando, affordable options are essential. Plus, three-row family vehicles are necessary. Recommended models include the Chrysler Pacifica PHEV, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Kona EV, Chevrolet Bolt, Nissan Leaf, and Toyota bZ.
Four Key Factors That Shape EV Adoption
- Price and Affordability
Daily driving patterns are virtually identical between EV owners and non-owners, reinforcing that lifestyle isn't the barrier — budget is. 32% of EV owners have budgets over $50,000 compared to just 17% of non-EV owners, and this stark gap reveals that non-EV owners aren't avoiding EVs due to their lifestyle needs, but rather due to price.
- Range and Real Driving Behavior
A paradox defines the range conversation: 96% express concern about driving distance, yet 84.3% drive less than 100 miles per day, and 93% of U.S. daily trips are under 30 miles. The gap between perceived need and actual behavior suggests that range anxiety is largely psychological rather than practical.
- Motivation and Mindset
Environmental concerns barely register as a purchase motivator; only 1.6% cite reducing pollution as their primary reason for buying an EV. Instead, 57.5% prioritize reliability over luxury, indicating that mainstream adoption hinges more on practical performance rather than environmental idealism.
- Regional Disparities
Geographic location shapes concerns and adoption rates. Weather worries range from 78.6% in Chicago to just 22.8% in Los Angeles, while EV adoption varies from 47% in San Francisco and Los Angeles to 31% in New York and Orlando. Regional patterns reflect EV infrastructure readiness, climate realities, and local cultures that create different EV landscapes across the country.
