EVwire brief: Electric vehicle owners are becoming even more loyal to the technology despite the disappearance of federal purchase incentives. A new survey found that 94.3% of EV owners expect their next vehicle to be another EV, while more than nine in ten say electric cars are cheaper to own, easier to maintain, and more enjoyable to drive than gasoline vehicles.
The findings come from Plug In America's 2026 EV Driver Survey, which collected responses from 4,205 participants, including 3,809 EV drivers, between January 21 and March 31, 2026. The survey was conducted after federal EV tax credits had been eliminated but before U.S. gasoline prices reached their 2026 peak, providing an early look at owner sentiment in a post-incentive market.
The loyalty of EV drivers to electric cars is remarkably high. (Source)
More than 90% of the survey’s respondents said their EV is more fun to drive, easier to maintain, and cheaper to fuel than a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle. More than 94% also described their EVs as convenient, reliable, and safe, while 91% said driving electric saves them money.
"The results couldn't be clearer. U.S. drivers are telling us year after year that the electric experience is superior. Electric vehicles provide a more refined driving experience. They are simply better vehicles. They save drivers money, cost less to fuel and maintain, and are more fun to drive."
The survey also found that direct ownership continues to change perceptions. Drivers reported significantly fewer concerns about battery range, charging availability, and purchase price after living with an EV.
Meanwhile, 75% of households that own both an EV and a gasoline-powered vehicle said the EV is driven more often, while reports of broken chargers on non-Tesla charging networks declined by nearly 10% compared with last year's survey.
Respondents listed the Chevy Bolt as the third most reliable EV, just behind the Tesla Model Y and Model 3.
Context:
Plug In America's annual EV Driver Survey has become one of the largest snapshots of real-world EV ownership in the United States. Rather than measuring consumer interest among prospective buyers, the survey focuses on people who already own and drive electric vehicles, providing insight into long-term ownership satisfaction, charging habits, and repeat purchase intentions.
This year's findings suggest that firsthand ownership experience continues to be one of the strongest drivers of EV adoption, even as federal incentives disappear. If any, the findings track with what JD Power's 2026 ownership study found in June. EV owner satisfaction is rising even as overall EV sales cooled.
Plug In America has run this driver survey every year since 2021. The nonprofit, founded in 2008, pushes EV adoption through education and advocacy work, including National Drive Electric Month and its PlugStar.com buying guide. The full report, with driver profiles and policy recommendations, can be found below.
Source: Plug In America press release, PRWeb (July 14, 2026), 2026 EV Driver Survey, Plug In America
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