Electric Vehicle Survey Methodology and Assumptions

A 2013 survey by the Union of Concerned Scientists and Consumer Reports found that 42% of U.S. households with vehicles could potentially use current plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and 22% could use battery electric vehicles (BEVs) with a 60-mile range. The study identifies charging access as the primary barrier to EV adoption, particularly for those in multi-unit dwellings. Public sentiment is generally positive, with 65% of respondents viewing EVs as essential for reducing oil use and global warming, and 60% considering an EV purchase.

• Approximately 42 percent of households with vehicles are potentially suitable for current plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) based on charging access, passenger needs, and hauling/towing requirements.
• About 22 percent of households could potentially transition to a battery electric vehicle (BEV) with an effective range as low as 60 miles without significant changes to their driving behavior.
• Access to electrical outlets for charging is the most significant barrier to EV suitability; 52 percent of respondents have private off-street parking with outlet access, while those in single-family homes (61 percent) have significantly better access than those in multi-unit dwellings (27 percent).
• A majority of Americans perceive EVs as necessary for environmental and energy goals, with 65 percent agreeing they are essential for reducing global warming pollution and oil use, and 60 percent stating they would consider buying one.
• Workplace charging is a key driver for potential adoption; 37 percent of all respondents, and nearly 65 percent of apartment dwellers, indicated that workplace charging would increase the likelihood of considering an EV for their next purchase.
• The study estimates that if all households capable of using an EV did so, the annual environmental impact would be a reduction of 60 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions and a saving of 12 billion gallons of gasoline.

APA

Union of Concerned Scientists (2013). Electric Vehicle Survey Methodology and Assumptions. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2020-09/UCS-CU-Electric-Vehicle-Survey-Methodology.pdf

Chicago

Union of Concerned Scientists. Electric Vehicle Survey Methodology and Assumptions. 2013. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2020-09/UCS-CU-Electric-Vehicle-Survey-Methodology.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Union of Concerned Scientists |title=Electric Vehicle Survey Methodology and Assumptions |date=December 2013 |url=https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2020-09/UCS-CU-Electric-Vehicle-Survey-Methodology.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{unionofconcernedscientists2013electric, author = {{Union of Concerned Scientists}}, title = {{Electric Vehicle Survey Methodology and Assumptions}}, institution = {Union of Concerned Scientists}, year = {2013}, month = dec, url = {https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2020-09/UCS-CU-Electric-Vehicle-Survey-Methodology.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }