Annual survey reveals Americans' changing interest in electric vehicles

Americans' interest in buying or owning an electric car has changed in the past year based on a recent Gallup poll. 

The analytics and data company conducted its annual Environment Survey and polled people between March 3-16. Their survey not only asked respondents about their enthusiasm for electric cars but also their preferences for hybrid vehicles. 

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Gallup’s survey came during nationwide protests and acts of vandalism against Tesla electric vehicle products and facilities, spurred by opposition to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency.

Interest in electric vehicles varies among groups

By the numbers:

Approximately 51% of Americans responded in a new Gallup poll admitting that they already own an EV (3%), are seriously considering purchasing one (8%) or may consider buying one down the line (40%). However, 47% said they would not buy an electric car.

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Meanwhile, fervent electric car supporters, described in the survey as individuals who say they own an EV or are seriously considering it, fell to 11% in 2025 compared to 16% last year. 

Young adults between the ages of 18 and 34, college graduates, middle- and upper-income Americans, and residents of the West are more inclined than others to want EVs.

Hybrid cars more popular than EVs

Dig deeper:

Sixty-five percent of Americans either own a hybrid car (8%), are seriously considering purchasing one (10%) or are open to buying one in the future (47%). Gallup found that interest in hybrids surpasses EVs in both current ownership (8% vs. 3%) and potential buying (57% vs. 48%).

The survey noted that interest in hybrid cars was also higher among people with higher annual household incomes. 

About 74% of Americans that make $100,000 or more in annual household income share that they own or might want to buy a hybrid vehicle, compared with 56% who say the same about EVs. 

While 72% of people earning between $50,000 and $99,999 annually share a desire to own hybrid cars, compared to 53% who prefer an EV. But less than half of Americans making less than $50,000 admit they are interested in either electric vehicles (47%) or hybrids (48%).