Electric cars lose appeal with new drivers, Shell survey finds

The findings show that high upfront cost remains a significant barrier to electric vehicle adoption, with drivers of gasoline-powered cars in both the US and Europe reporting declining interest in making the switch, the survey showed.

“While current EV drivers are feeling more confident, the relatively high cost of owning an electric vehicle, combined with broader economic pressures, are making it a difficult decision for new consumers,” Shell’s Group Executive Vice President of Mobility and Convenience, David Bunch, said in a statement on Tuesday. In Europe, 43% of non-EV drivers cited affordability as an issue.

The growing divide in attitudes toward electric cars emerged in a Shell survey of more than 15,000 drivers across China, Europe and the US. The level of interest in switching to an EV among internal combustion engine drivers in the US was 31%, compared with 34% in 2024, according to the survey. Interest from non-EV drivers in Europe decreased to 41% from 48% last year. 

Of the countries surveyed, only China saw major gains, with single-vehicle owning EV drivers rising “from 72% to an impressive 89%,” Shell said. The country stands out globally for its significant advances both in the technology and the cost of battery-powered cars.

Globally, nine in 10 current EV drivers indicated they would consider a similar purchase for their next vehicle. About 60% of EV drivers said they worry less now than a year ago about running out of charge, while three-quarters said availability and choice of public charging points has improved, according to the survey. 

While Shell has retreated from some of its low-carbon ventures, the company remains committed to EVs and has more than 75,000 charge points across the world. “More must be done to stimulate demand and ensure no one is left behind in the shift to cleaner transport,” Bunch said.