Members like EVs, but cost and range present barriers to purchasing

Almost all members had heard about EVs, with men more likely to say they knew a fair amount or great deal than women (64% vs. 31%). Attitudes about EVs vary, with some boasting about the technology – “they are our future” said a long term resident of Washington County and their positive impact in reducing our reliance on oil.

Others were more hesitant, citing concerns about the cost of EVs and their driving range per charge. “I honestly do not think that Americans are willing to pay such a high price for such a small vehicle with so many limited capabilities,” explained a Multnomah County resident. In the survey, members said their maximum budget for a new car ranges between $20 and $25k; the cost for an EV ranges from $22,500 to $32,500 after the federal tax credit.

About two in ten members said they’d consider purchasing an EV in the next two years, and a small percentage already owned an EV. “We own a Leaf and I drive it every day to bring the kids to school, and run errands,” said a woman from Clackamas County.

Most, however, said they wouldn’t consider buying an EV any time soon, saying that the cost would have to go down and the driving range to go up before they would seriously consider an EV. One member expressed it this way: “I'd buy an electric in a heartbeat, if it had a 150 mile range and could recharge in a couple of hours on a 110 circuit. Maybe someday...”