The 2024 Mobility Consumer Pulse Study points out that 46% of American EV owners are thinking about this switch, compared to a global average of 29%.
The study identifies inadequate charging infrastructure as the main reason for Americans considering a return to gasoline, with 46% citing it as a significant issue. This is followed by high ownership costs and impacts on driving patterns, affecting 34% and 32% of respondents, respectively. Currently, the U.S. has about 183,000 public EV charging stations.
| Country | % Likely to Switch Back to ICE |
|---|---|
| Australia | 49% |
| United States | 46% |
| Brazil | 38% |
| China | 28% |
| Germany | 24% |
| Norway | 18% |
| France | 18% |
| Italy | 15% |
| Japan | 13% |
The rollout of new charging stations has been hampered by complex regulations and varied consumer needs despite $5 billion funding from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Other factors influencing the potential switch include an inability to charge at home (24%), stress over finding reliable charging options (21%), and dissatisfaction with the overall EV driving experience.
In contrast, the desire to switch back is less prevalent in countries like Japan (13%) and France (18%), while other countries such as Australia show even higher rates than the U.S., at 49%. Meanwhile, German car owners displayed both a preference for combustion engines and significant concerns over charging station availability.
Source: McKinsey & Co.