Applications: EV

Real and Perceived Barriers to EV Adoption in Rural US Regions The responses of 1,063 rural Michigan residents, in a survey that reached 43,000, reveals consumer constraints and attitudes around EV adoption: Only 5% of respondents would choose a BEV as their next vehicle. 70% of the respondents do not have a public DC fast charger within 5 miles of their home, and 42% underestimate their ability to cover their driving needs with overnight Level 2 charging at home. Used ICEVs are preferred over new, whereas new PHEVs, EVs and HEVs are preferred over used. 65%of drivers could purchase at least one used BEV within their stated budget and desired vehicle class.

Over 50% of the respondents could meet their weekly driving needs spread over 3 days, even with a used (aged) EV in freezing temperatures.

Low-cost information interventions about Level 2 home charging and used/winter BEV range could ameliorate the effect of pessimistic attitudes around range, charging at home, and affordability, while policy initiatives should focus on improving access to fast public chargers.

Source: S. Tomkins et al., Scientific Reports 2025

Extracted from the PDF; charts and images may read imperfectly.