
Californians are embracing EVs and want the state to do more to encourage their widespread adoption, according to research commissioned by CALinnovates.
Forty-three percent of Californians say they are considering buying or leasing an electric vehicle before 2025, according to the Vrge Analytics survey of 837 conducted last August.
When informed that there are EVs in development that are roughly the same price as traditional vehicles with a range of more than 200 miles per charge, sixty-five percent of respondents say they would consider buying or leasing one.
Californians also believe that the state should do more to encourage the development and deployment of additional electric vehicles – with nearly 80% in support. Similar numbers want the state to “push the envelope” in addressing air pollution and global warming. And nearly 70% support Governor Brown’s goal of putting 1.5 million EVs on the road by 2025.
On issues pending before the state government, 66% support the reauthorization of the state’s law to combat global warming, and 60% support increasing tax credits to encourage more Californians to purchase EVs.
Yet, Californians are skeptical of traditional automakers commitment to the electric vehicle marketplace. Only 13% think that traditional automakers are committed to improving air quality through the sale of electric vehicles, while 34% think they are ambivalent, and 25% think that they would rather sell a “big truck.”
Finally, over 50% of Californians said that the oil and gas industry stands in the way of positive change for California.