2026 EV Driver Survey Highlights Growing Satisfaction and Charging Trends

The 2026 EV Driver Survey reveals opportunities for electrical contractors to expand EV charging infrastructure.

Key Takeaways

  • Over 94% of EV owners plan to buy another electric vehicle, showing strong loyalty and satisfaction.
  • Most drivers find EVs less expensive to fuel, easier to maintain, and more enjoyable to drive than gasoline cars.
  • Home charging remains a key factor in EV adoption, with 91% saving money and nearly 95% finding EVs cheaper to fuel.
  • Fewer drivers charge daily; many can power several days of driving thanks to current battery technology.

The 2026 EV Driver Survey report from Plug In America is now available. The survey found that the majority of electric vehicle (EV) owners expressed satisfaction with their EVs and strong intentions of purchasing another.

According to the nonprofit's survey, 94.3% of respondents said they are likely or very likely to choose another electric vehicle for their next purchase, an increase from 92% in last year's survey. More than 90% also reported that their EV is less expensive to fuel, easier to maintain, and more enjoyable to drive than a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle, while more than 94% described their vehicles as convenient, reliable, and safe.

For electrical contractors, the continued importance of home charging is a significant finding of the survey. Being able to charge their vehicle at home remains a strong incentive for EV adoption. 91% of drivers surveyed agreed that they save money by driving an EV, and nearly 95% said their EV is cheaper to fuel than a gas car. The survey also found that EV drivers experienced fewer concerns about battery range, price, and public charging availability once they acquired an EV.

Another major finding in the report was that most EV drivers do not charge their vehicles every day. Plug In America states, “Today’s EV batteries are not only sufficient for daily driving but can often power several days of driving. Even with convenient home charging, less than one-third of EV drivers charge every day.” In addition, the survey found that in households with both an EV and a gas car, 75% report driving the EV more often.

Strong satisfaction and loyalty from EV owners presents plenty of opportunity for electrical contractors to meet the demand of EV charging infrastructure. For insight into installing EV charging equipment in residential applications, check out the “EV Installations on the Home Front” article series.

About the Author

Michael Morris

Michael Morris is Editor for EC&M. He is also Editor for EC&M's sister publications Electrical Wholesaling and Electrical Marketing. Email him at [email protected].

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