Steady interest in EVs despite concerns

If cost wasn’t a factor, more than half of respondents to a recent survey would buy an electric vehicle.

Verra Mobility Corporation released its second EV consumer perceptions report, The State of EVs: 2025 Report on Smart Mobility which polled people aged 25 and older.

In addition to finding that 51 per cent would purchase an EV today if upfront cost was not a factor, the survey also noted that 47 per cent plan to purchase an EV in the next five years, with 21 per cent planning to do so in the next one to two years. Currently, only 7 per cent of respondents own an EV.

“Although there have been market indications that EV adoption rates are slowing down, our analysis indicates steady, albeit more cautious adoption and interest,” said Steve Lalla, executive vice president of Commercial Services at Verra Mobility.

He added that the shift to EVs is inevitable. “It’s not if, but when EVs will constitute a much more significant share of vehicles on the road.”

The report also highlighted that 48 per cent of municipal technology leaders expect EVs to make up the majority of personal vehicles within 10 years. Battery electric vehicles made up 11.4 per cent of new vehicle sales in 2024 in Canada.

Range anxiety and the availability of charging stations remain top concerns for potential EV owners. When asked about their biggest concern with owning or driving an EV, 46 per cent cited the availability of charging stations, followed by upfront cost at 31 per cent. Additionally, 40 per cent of respondents were unaware of the closest charging station to their home and had “no clue how to find one.”

Despite these concerns, range anxiety has decreased slightly from 79 per cent last year to 71 per cent this year.

Other key findings from the survey include:

• 73 per cent wouldn’t know how to charge an EV rental car.
• 70 per cent would consider renting an EV as a way to “try before they buy.”
• 63 per cent expect maintenance costs to be higher with EVs than gas-powered vehicles.
• 42 per cent think their chances of needing roadside assistance are higher with an EV.

When asked about their likelihood of purchasing an EV compared to last year, 31 per cent of respondents said they are more likely, 24 per cent said less likely, and 46 per cent said their likelihood remains the same.

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