Most Americans Still Choose Gas Cars Over Electric Vehicles

A new Deloitte study shows most U.S. consumers still prefer gas-powered cars, citing high EV prices, charging limits, and range concerns. Read the analysis.

Despite years of predictions about the imminent dominance of electric vehicles, the U.S. car market continues to show strong loyalty to traditional powertrains. A new Deloitte study finds that 61% of American consumers would still choose a vehicle with an internal combustion engine for their next purchase. By comparison, only about 7% plan to opt for a fully electric car, while another 26% say they would consider a hybrid.

The results stand out against the backdrop of recent years. Between 2018 and 2022, interest in electric vehicles was steadily rising, but the latest data suggest that momentum has slowed. Buyers appear to be gravitating back toward familiar technology, weighing environmental considerations against everyday practicality.

Price remains the central issue shaping these preferences. For 62% of U.S. consumers, securing a good deal is the most important factor in their next vehicle purchase, and nearly half emphasize the importance of transparent pricing. Electric vehicles, despite lower running costs, are still widely viewed as expensive because of their higher upfront prices. Among those open to buying an EV, reducing fuel expenses is the primary motivation.

Cost is not the only concern. Limited driving range, charging time, and access to charging infrastructure continue to rank among the main deterrents. These practical obstacles outweigh environmental incentives for many buyers and help explain why electric vehicles remain a minority choice in the U.S. market.

Similar patterns can be observed internationally. In several regions across Europe and Asia, a large share of consumers still favor gasoline-powered cars. At the same time, governments are reassessing earlier plans to phase out combustion engines. The United Kingdom has postponed its ban on new gasoline and diesel cars until 2035, while Germany has secured exemptions for vehicles running on synthetic fuels.

In the United States, regulatory signals also point to a gradual transition rather than an abrupt break. Current federal rules allow gasoline engines to continue meeting efficiency standards well into the next decade. Taken together, these developments reinforce Deloitte’s conclusion that consumers are not yet ready to abandon internal combustion technology.

Over the long term, electrification is still widely seen as the direction of travel for the automotive industry. For now, however, the data suggest that America’s roads will remain largely gas-powered — driven less by resistance to change than by practical and economic considerations.