How did we do this?<\/p>\n
For this report, we surveyed 3,524 U.S. adults from March 16 to 22, 2026, a few weeks into the U.S. military conflict with Iran. Everyone who took part in this survey is a member of the Center\u2019s American Trends Panel<\/a>. The survey represents the views of the full U.S. adult population. <\/p>\n Here are the survey questions<\/a> used for this report, the detailed responses<\/a> and the survey methodology<\/a>.<\/p>\n Key takeaways:<\/p>\n Americans remain more likely to seriously consider purchasing a hybrid vehicle than an electric vehicle (44% vs. 32%). Interest in EVs is similar to what it was last year, but down from four years ago.<\/p>\n Democrats, younger Americans and those who live in urban and suburban areas are more likely to seriously consider buying an EV or a hybrid.<\/p>\n About a third of Americans say they would very or somewhat seriously consider purchasing an electric vehicle as their next vehicle. This is a similar share as last year but down from 42% in 2022.<\/p>\n Roughly half (53%) say they are not too or not at all likely to seriously consider purchasing an EV, and 15% say they do not expect to purchase a vehicle.<\/p>\n Americans continue to be more interested in purchasing a hybrid vehicle than an electric vehicle.<\/p>\n (This survey was conducted March 16-22, 2026, a few weeks into the U.S. military conflict with Iran. Gas prices have soared<\/a> and electric vehicle search interest has gone up<\/a> in the past few weeks.)<\/p>\n This analysis is part of a broader Pew Research Center study looking at Americans\u2019 shifting views on energy issues. For more, refer to \u201cAmericans\u2019 Shifting Views on Energy Issues.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n Who is more or less likely to be interested in buying an EV?<\/p>\n Democrats and those who lean toward the Democratic Party continue to be more likely than Republicans and GOP leaners to say they would seriously consider purchasing an EV as their next vehicle (47% vs. 17%). But Democrats are 11 percentage points less likely to say they\u2019re interested than in 2022, when 58% said they would seriously consider purchasing an EV.<\/p>\n Younger Americans, including both young Democrats and Republicans, express greater interest than older adults in purchasing an EV. Adults younger than 30 are split on whether they would seriously consider purchasing an EV or not, while greater shares of those 50 and older say they would not seriously consider buying one.<\/p>\n Urban and suburban Americans are also more likely than those who live in rural areas to seriously considering purchasing an EV.<\/p>\n Among current EV owners, a majority would consider an EV for their next car (61%), but three-in-ten would not consider one. \u00a0<\/p>\n The majority of gas vehicle owners (excluding those who also own an EV or hybrid) also say they would not seriously consider an EV for their next car (60%).<\/p>\n Interest in hybrid vehicles<\/p>\n Americans show more interest in purchasing a hybrid vehicle: 44% say they would seriously consider buying one. This is about the same as in 2024.<\/p>\n As with electric vehicle interest, Democrats, younger Americans and those who live in urban and suburban areas are all particularly likely to seriously consider buying a hybrid.<\/p>\n Additionally, current hybrid owners largely plan to stick with that type of vehicle for their next purchase: 76% say they would seriously consider it. Gas car owners (who do not own an EV or hybrid) express some interest in hybrid vehicles (37%), but more still do not plan to seriously consider it (46%).<\/p>\n Views on federal government\u2019s role in EV use<\/p>\n![\"Chart](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/PS_2026.4.7._energy_1-01.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Chart](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/PS_2026.4.7._energy_1-02.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Chart](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/PS_2026.4.7._energy_1-03.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
![\"Chart](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/PS_2026.4.7._energy_1-04.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n