AUTONEWS

EUA---Study shows US EV demand remains strong despite federal incentives' uncertain future

A study by consumer insights and research firm J.D. Power shows that the demand for electric cars in the US remains strong. However, the adoption rate varies nationwide, with rural areas lagging.

Americans still want their EVs despite the uncertainty surrounding the country's most popular auto incentive. According to data gathered by J.D. Power, demand for electric cars remains stable compared to last year.

The survey revealed that 24 percent of auto shoppers are "very likely" to purchase an EV, and about 35 percent fall in the "somewhat likely" category. Both results, essentially unchanged from 2024, mean about 60 percent of Americans entertain the thought of driving electric. However, it is essential to note that the car-buying reality is quite different, as EVs were only 7.5 percent of total vehicle sales in the US in Q1 2025.

The proliferation of options is partly responsible for the enduring EV romance. Car buyers now have a wide and expanding range of electric models to consider, from legacy brands to new entrants offering tempting discounts, including on leases.

The research firm's executive director, Brent Gruber, said, "As more EV options come to market, this should serve as an encouraging sign for automakers because it's an opportunity for them to gain a foothold and pull shoppers from outside their brands.

"EV shoppers consider products from mass market and premium brands alike, highlighting the opportunity to capture consumer interest with brands or products that shoppers may not have otherwise considered."

Meanwhile, the government's support for e-mobility remains uncertain. The current administration has not hidden its stance toward pro-EV policies, with a new bill aiming to end EV tax credits.

J.D. Power's survey also points out the disparity in EV adoption across different demographics. Buyers in coastal and Democrat-leaning states are more likely to go electric, and younger car owners are more likely to gravitate toward e-mobility.

UK---British electric car options surge as driving ranges reach record highs

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has released new data showing that the number of electric vehicle options is increasing significantly in the UK. Driving ranges also reach record highs, with the latest models usually offering close to 300 miles.

British drivers switching to electric might have one interesting problem: which model to spend their money on. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the UK auto market has witnessed an explosion in EVs, with 80 percent of all new cars having an electric version, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and hybrids.

EV buyers have to wade through more than 130 fully electric models, up from 102 in just a year. PHEVs and hybrids are available in 100 and 50 versions, respectively.

Even more exciting is the increasing driving ranges, allowing owners to drive further. The average BEV now easily delivers about 300 miles before running out of juice, a significant increase from 235 miles last year. Drivers splashing on premium models can expect up to 400 miles on the road, more than the average distance covered by a British car owner.

Hybrids can also handle most daily commutes without falling on diesel or petrol, thanks to bigger battery packs and more efficient motors. The Volkswagen Golf eHybrid, for instance, offers 88 miles of electric driving.

Perhaps the most exciting development is the advent of more affordable electric cars, which allow BEVs to account for more than 20 percent of all new car purchases, up from 16.9 percent in 2024.

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