| Reason | Description | Interpretation | |
| 1 | Range anxiety is a genuine concern | Fear of running out of battery power before reaching a charging station. | Many EVs have a shorter range than gasoline cars, leading to anxiety about long trips or unfamiliar areas. Most gas-powered cars boast a range of 300-720 miles on average, while EVs only deliver 150-300 miles between charges. |
| 2 | Charging times can be prohibitive | Recharging an electric car takes significantly longer than refueling a gasoline car. | While DC fast chargers can provide a quicker boost of just 30 minutes, they’re less common and charging at home can take hours. This can be inconvenient for busy schedules or long commutes. |
| 3 | Higher initial cost | Electric vehicles tend to be more expensive than comparable gasoline-powered models. | The upfront cost of an electric car can be a significant barrier for many drivers, despite potential savings on fuel and maintenance in the long run. The average new gas-powered car cost in the US was only about $48,000 as of 2023. In contrast, EVs was approximately $60,000. |
| 4 | Limited model options | Fewer variety of electric vehicle models compared to gasoline-powered cars. | The selection of EVs is still growing, but currently offers fewer choices in terms of body style, performance, and features compared to the vast selection of gasoline vehicles. For context, the US market currently only has 40 EV models as of 2023. |
| 5 | Costly home charging installation | Installing a home charging station can be expensive. | While not essential for everyone, having a home charger can significantly improve convenience. However, the cost of installation can be a deterrent for some drivers. It starts at $1,000 to $2,500, excluding the potential home electrical upgrades to support the installation. |
| 6 | Depreciation rates | Uncertainty surrounding the resale value of electric vehicles. | Since EVs are a relatively new technology, their long-term resale value remains unclear. This can be a concern for drivers who trade in their cars frequently. As of today, EVs lose around 52% of its total value within 3 years on average. Meanwhile, traditional ICE-powered cars only lose 39%. |
| 7 | Overpromises in EV market: Self-driving features and true range concerns | Marketing hype around features like self-driving capabilities and unrealistic range estimates. | Some EV marketing can be misleading, exaggerating the capabilities of self-driving technology or overstating the car’s true range under real-world conditions. |
| 8 | Scarce second-hand market | Limited availability of used electric vehicles. | The used EV market is still in its early stages, offering fewer options and potentially higher prices compared to used gasoline cars. Moreover, EVs’ fast depreciation makes it hard for buyers to spot a used unit at a bargain price. |
| 9 | High maintenance and repair costs | While some maintenance costs may be lower, repairs for EVs can be expensive. | Electric vehicles require less routine maintenance, but specialized repairs, particularly for the battery, can be quite costly. In addition, the EV industry currently lacks qualified technicians to support the transition. |
| 10 | Inadequate public charging infrastructure | Lack of readily available and reliable public charging stations, especially outside of urban areas. | The availability of public charging stations varies greatly by region. In rural areas or on long trips, finding a charger can be difficult or time-consuming. To address this concern, the US government invested $100 million to expand the nationwide charging network. However, EV drivers frequently find broken or occupied charge points. |
| 11 | Expensive battery replacement costs | Replacing an electric vehicle battery can be very expensive. | While EV batteries are designed to last for many years, eventual replacement can be a significant cost factor. Battery replacements starts at $4,000 to $20,000, depending on the model and battery type. |
| 12 | Environmental impact of battery production | The production of lithium-ion batteries used in EVs can have a negative environmental impact. | Concerns exist about the mining of raw materials and the energy used to manufacture EV batteries. |
| 13 | Dependency on non-renewable energy | If the electricity used to charge EVs comes from fossil fuels, it reduces the environmental benefit. | The environmental impact of EVs depends heavily on the source of the electricity used to charge them. |
| 14 | Limited recycling infrastructure for EV batteries | Lack of established and efficient systems for recycling EV batteries at the end of their lifespan. | Developing a robust recycling infrastructure for EV batteries is crucial to minimize environmental impact. |
| 15 | Sensitivity to extreme weather | Cold weather can significantly reduce the range of electric vehicles. | Extreme cold temperatures can decrease battery efficiency, impacting the driving range of EVs. Previous studies suggest that battery range tend to decline by up to 31% in extreme weather. Moreover, popular li-ion batteries function well within 60 to 80°F. They require more energy in colder climates to initiate the charging process. |
| 16 | Charging stations can be a pain to deal with | Inconvenient location, broken chargers, long wait times, and compatibility issues can be frustrating. | The longer EV charging time continues to be an issue for most owners and potential buyers. The process substantially extends an already long travel, with hitting an 80% charge alone taking a very long time. A full charge for long trips could take up to 3 hours. |
| 17 | People are afraid of change | Hesitation to adopt a new technology and adapt to a different driving experience. | Some drivers are simply comfortable with what they know and may be hesitant to embrace the changes required with electric vehicles. |
| 18 | Political associations | Perceived political bias towards or against electric vehicles influencing some drivers’ choices. | The political landscape can influence some drivers’ decisions, with some associating EVs with certain political stances. |
| 19 | Skepticism around technological security | Concerns about the security of electric vehicle technology and potential hacking vulnerabilities. | As with any connected device, security concerns exist regarding the software and systems used in EVs. Some of its potential vulnerabilities include remote hacking, data privacy, and ransomware and malware. |
| 20 | People are not shopping for cars, yet | Shifting transportation habits with a growing focus on ride-sharing and alternative options. | Not everyone is looking to buy a car at any given time. Some commuters may not be planning yet to buy their own cars as they prefer other alternatives like ride-sharing or public vehicles. Meanwhile, most car owners tend to only replace their units when they need to, not necessarily because of the latest technology. |
Electric vehicles stand as a potential solution to climate issues across the world, considering the significant CO2 emissions generated by the transportation sector. Therefore, it is crucial for both governments and car companies to comprehend people’s thoughts and concerns about electric vehicle ownership to mitigate them.
It would also be best for prospective EV customers to weigh their concerns against the proven benefits of electric cars to come up with a solid decision that adheres to their preferences, needs, values, and, most importantly, financial status.
