February 9, 2025
Electric Vehicles Face Resistance in Texas, Reveals Survey

Electric Vehicles Face Resistance in Texas, Reveals Survey

A recent survey conducted by the University of Houston and Texas Southern University has revealed that electric vehicles (EVs) are not gaining much traction in the state of Texas. The survey, part of the five-year Texas Trends survey series, aimed to gauge the attitudes and opinions of the state’s changing population.

The results of the survey showed that only 5.1% of respondents currently drive an electric-powered vehicle. More than half of those who do not own or lease an EV, 59.5% to be exact, stated that they would not consider purchasing one in the future. The survey also identified the main factors influencing this lack of interest in EVs.

For 46% of the respondents, the scarcity of charging stations was a significant concern. Additionally, 38.2% of respondents cited the higher purchase prices of EVs compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles as a deterrent. Another major factor was the inability to charge EVs at home, with 36.5% of respondents highlighting this obstacle.

The acceptance of electric cars varied among different demographic groups. The survey found that Asian-Americans showed the highest interest in EVs, with 57.6% indicating a likelihood of purchasing or leasing an EV in the future. In comparison, only 27.1% of white respondents expressed similar interest, while 36.7% of Hispanic and 35.7% of Black respondents expressed interest.

The survey also revealed a correlation between income levels and interest in EVs. Respondents from households with an annual income exceeding $80,000 showed the highest level of interest, at 39.3%. In contrast, lower-income households exhibited less enthusiasm for EV ownership, with just over a fifth expressing interest.

Interestingly, the survey also found a divide along political lines. The results showed that fewer Republicans than Democrats expressed interest in owning an EV, with more than 70% of Republicans and over 60% of independents stating that they were unlikely to buy or lease an EV.

The survey also included a conjoint analysis, which identified the driving range on a single charge as the most influential factor in choosing an EV. Price, costs of operation, and speed of charging were also important considerations. However, even when hypothetical scenarios were presented with lower purchase prices, decreased operating costs, and faster charging times, respondents remained hesitant to switch to electric unless the driving range was significantly improved.

The survey findings highlight Texans’ strong preference for traditional gas-powered vehicles, with EV ownership currently lagging behind. Despite government incentives and initiatives, such as President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, EVs have yet to gain significant traction in the state.

However, as charging infrastructure improves, operational costs decrease, and driving ranges extend, there is potential for EV adoption to increase among Texans. Only when EVs offer a longer driving range than gas-powered vehicles, along with favorable pricing and charging characteristics, do respondents indicate a willingness to consider electric as a viable option.

The Texas Trends 2023: Electric Vehicles survey, part of the larger Texas Trends survey series, was conducted between October 6 and 18. The survey included 1,914 YouGov respondents aged 18 and older, resulting in a representative sample of Texas adults. The results provide valuable insights into the current state of EV adoption in Texas and offer opportunities for future growth.

*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it

Ravina
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Ravina Pandya,  Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has an expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals.

Ravina Pandya

Ravina Pandya,  Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has an expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals.

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