• Americans are significantly more optimistic about EV ownership despite slowing adoption rates
• Positive perceptions of public charging availability increased from 28 to 47%
• US EV owners are widely satisfied and would choose electric again
• East Coast states continue to lead the country in EV market maturity
More than half of drivers surveyed in the US (53%) say they are more open to considering an EV than they were a year ago, according to the HERE-SBD EV Index 2026 released today, on World EV Day. The fourth annual comprehensive assessment of EV infrastructure maturity by HERE Technologies, the leading mapping and location data company, and SBD Automotive, a global automotive research firm, pairs a proprietary EV infrastructure ranking system with consumer survey insights for a comprehensive view of EV readiness across the US, and major markets in Europe and Asia.
US EV market share is 5.37% for 2026 year-to-date, down nearly 3% from 2025 full year, according to the latest data from The Alliance for Automotive Innovation. Despite the slowing EV adoption trend, this year’s findings suggest Americans are becoming more receptive to EV ownership. Of non-EV drivers, 10% fewer intend to purchase gas vehicles for their next car compared to last year’s survey; 8% more would choose electric if price and specifications were the same; and 12% see no barriers at all to EV adoption, up from 6% last year. (....)