A recent COGNITION Smart Data survey shows that, for the first time ever, early adopter consumers rely more on EVs than gas vehicles.
The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is not just on the horizon—it’s here, making its presence felt as more consumers across the U.S. shift from gas to electric. According to Green Builder Media’s COGNITION Smart Data, this historic transition is gaining momentum, with early adopters relying on EVs more than ever, marking a true milestone in sustainable transportation.
Move Over, Gas Engines: EVs Take the Wheel
A recent survey conducted by COGNITION Smart Data of nearly 1,250 U.S. consumers reveals that nearly 33% now use EVs for their daily commute, surpassing the 24% who still depend on gas-powered vehicles. This trend underscores a broader shift toward cleaner, more efficient transportation, driven by advancements in EV technology and a mounting urgency to address climate change.
Breaking down the data by generation, Millennials emerge as the biggest adopters, with Gen Z following close behind, blending their commutes with electric bikes and public transportation. Their preferences underscore a societal shift: younger generations are more inclined to prioritize sustainability and seek alternatives to traditional car ownership.
When selecting their mode of transport, survey respondents ranked convenience and time efficiency (46%) as the top factor, followed by infrastructure availability like charging stations and bike lanes (31%), environmental impact (30%), and travel cost (25%).
As more EV models hitting the market at competitive prices, the balance is tipping in favor of electric, with 48% of survey respondents reporting that they already own an EV and another 42% considering a purchase in the near future. Home charging is also on the rise, with 41% having a dedicated station and 39% planning to install one.
Diverse Living Preferences, Universal EV Appeal
The survey also sheds light on EV adoption across different living environments. Sixty-five percent of respondents are homeowners: 45% live in suburban areas, 34% in urban locales, and 20% in rural regions.
Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials largely favor the suburbs, while Gen Z prefers city living. Yet, regardless of location, EV adoption remains strong across these demographics, emphasizing that EVs are becoming accessible and appealing to a broad range of lifestyles.
The Numbers Behind the EV Boom
The past decade has seen a staggering rise in EV sales in the U.S. In 2023, over 800,000 EVs were sold, capturing about 7.2% of total vehicle sales—up from just 4% in 2021. Projections suggest that by 2030, over half of all new vehicles sold could be electric, with some estimates reaching as high as 60% if current momentum holds steady.
Federal and state governments are driving the EV surge with financial incentives and rebates to make EVs affordable and accessible to a wider demographic. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 extended tax credits for new EV purchases, offering up to $7,500 for qualifying models and introducing up to $4,000 for used EVs. This financial assistance has been pivotal in addressing the cost barrier.
States are also stepping up with their own incentives, particularly California, which commands nearly 40% of the national EV market. Other states, such as Colorado, New York, and Massachusetts, have introduced rebates and tax credits to further offset the purchase price of EVs. These initiatives contribute to the broader climate goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which is particularly important in the transportation since it accounts for over 29% of U.S. emissions.
The U.S. charging network has expanded dramatically, growing from just 41,000 public charging ports in 2016 to over 140,000 in 2023, with a national goal of installing 500,000 by 2030. Charging speeds have also improved, with today’s DC fast chargers delivering over 200 miles of range in under 30 minutes.
Revolutionary Advances in Battery Technology
Battery technology remains central to the EV industry’s progress. The cost of lithium-ion batteries, which power most EVs, has fallen by 89% since 2010, dropping from $1,200 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to just $132 per kWh in 2023. Automakers are actively developing solid-state batteries, which promise even greater range, faster charging, and enhanced safety.
The result of these technological advancements? Longer-range vehicles and more affordable EVs. The average EV range in 2023 has climbed to about 250 miles, with premium models like the Tesla Model S Plaid exceeding 400 miles on a single charge.
This extended range, coupled with a price drop, varying from high-end models to budget-friendly options like the Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf (both under $30,000), makes EVs more attainable than ever before.
Challenges Ahead
The EV takeover does face challenges. While costs are decreasing, the upfront price of EVs still represents a barrier for some.
“Range anxiety” and limited charging infrastructure, especially in rural areas, remain real issues, though these are being actively addressed through federal support and private investments.
Grid reliability is also a concern, with utility companies exploring solutions to meet increased electricity demand as EV adoption accelerates.
Despite these hurdles, the U.S. transportation sector is on the cusp of a transformative shift. As infrastructure expands, technology advances, and affordability improves, EVs are on track to dominate American roads. By 2035, several major automakers have committed to going fully electric, and California plans to ban the sale of new gas-powered vehicles.
Indeed, the “EV takeover” is not simply a trend—it’s the next phase of American mobility and a major step toward a cleaner, greener economy.
Interested in learning more? Green Builder Media’s COGNITION Academy has robust courses on net zero carbon building, green building fundamentals, green product essentials and green building program like ENERGY STAR, Zero Energy Ready Homes, Indoor airPLUS, WaterSense, and HERS ratings. Visit the COGNITION Academy microsite to enroll today!
Check out the COGNITION Carbon Offsets Marketplace if you’re interested in purchasing carbon offsets to mitigate emissions from your products, projects or lifestyle.
As cofounder and CEO of Green Builder Media, Sara is a visionary thought leader and passionate advocate for sustainability. A former venture capitalist, she has participated in the life cycle (from funding to exit) of over 20 companies, with an emphasis on combining sustainability and profitability. She lives in Lake City, Colo., with her husband, where she is an avid long-distance runner, snowboarder, and Crossfit trainer. She is also on the Board of Directors at Dvele, runs the Rural Segment for Energize Colorado, and is a former County Commissioner.
EV Takeover: A New Era of Transportation
A recent COGNITION Smart Data survey shows that, for the first time ever, early adopter consumers rely more on EVs than gas vehicles.
The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is not just on the horizon—it’s here, making its presence felt as more consumers across the U.S. shift from gas to electric. According to Green Builder Media’s COGNITION Smart Data, this historic transition is gaining momentum, with early adopters relying on EVs more than ever, marking a true milestone in sustainable transportation.
Move Over, Gas Engines: EVs Take the Wheel
A recent survey conducted by COGNITION Smart Data of nearly 1,250 U.S. consumers reveals that nearly 33% now use EVs for their daily commute, surpassing the 24% who still depend on gas-powered vehicles. This trend underscores a broader shift toward cleaner, more efficient transportation, driven by advancements in EV technology and a mounting urgency to address climate change.
Breaking down the data by generation, Millennials emerge as the biggest adopters, with Gen Z following close behind, blending their commutes with electric bikes and public transportation. Their preferences underscore a societal shift: younger generations are more inclined to prioritize sustainability and seek alternatives to traditional car ownership.
When selecting their mode of transport, survey respondents ranked convenience and time efficiency (46%) as the top factor, followed by infrastructure availability like charging stations and bike lanes (31%), environmental impact (30%), and travel cost (25%).
As more EV models hitting the market at competitive prices, the balance is tipping in favor of electric, with 48% of survey respondents reporting that they already own an EV and another 42% considering a purchase in the near future. Home charging is also on the rise, with 41% having a dedicated station and 39% planning to install one.
Diverse Living Preferences, Universal EV Appeal
The survey also sheds light on EV adoption across different living environments. Sixty-five percent of respondents are homeowners: 45% live in suburban areas, 34% in urban locales, and 20% in rural regions.
Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials largely favor the suburbs, while Gen Z prefers city living. Yet, regardless of location, EV adoption remains strong across these demographics, emphasizing that EVs are becoming accessible and appealing to a broad range of lifestyles.
The Numbers Behind the EV Boom
The past decade has seen a staggering rise in EV sales in the U.S. In 2023, over 800,000 EVs were sold, capturing about 7.2% of total vehicle sales—up from just 4% in 2021. Projections suggest that by 2030, over half of all new vehicles sold could be electric, with some estimates reaching as high as 60% if current momentum holds steady.
Federal and state governments are driving the EV surge with financial incentives and rebates to make EVs affordable and accessible to a wider demographic. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 extended tax credits for new EV purchases, offering up to $7,500 for qualifying models and introducing up to $4,000 for used EVs. This financial assistance has been pivotal in addressing the cost barrier.
States are also stepping up with their own incentives, particularly California, which commands nearly 40% of the national EV market. Other states, such as Colorado, New York, and Massachusetts, have introduced rebates and tax credits to further offset the purchase price of EVs. These initiatives contribute to the broader climate goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which is particularly important in the transportation since it accounts for over 29% of U.S. emissions.
The U.S. charging network has expanded dramatically, growing from just 41,000 public charging ports in 2016 to over 140,000 in 2023, with a national goal of installing 500,000 by 2030. Charging speeds have also improved, with today’s DC fast chargers delivering over 200 miles of range in under 30 minutes.
Revolutionary Advances in Battery Technology
Battery technology remains central to the EV industry’s progress. The cost of lithium-ion batteries, which power most EVs, has fallen by 89% since 2010, dropping from $1,200 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to just $132 per kWh in 2023. Automakers are actively developing solid-state batteries, which promise even greater range, faster charging, and enhanced safety.
The result of these technological advancements? Longer-range vehicles and more affordable EVs. The average EV range in 2023 has climbed to about 250 miles, with premium models like the Tesla Model S Plaid exceeding 400 miles on a single charge.
This extended range, coupled with a price drop, varying from high-end models to budget-friendly options like the Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf (both under $30,000), makes EVs more attainable than ever before.
Challenges Ahead
The EV takeover does face challenges. While costs are decreasing, the upfront price of EVs still represents a barrier for some.
“Range anxiety” and limited charging infrastructure, especially in rural areas, remain real issues, though these are being actively addressed through federal support and private investments.
Grid reliability is also a concern, with utility companies exploring solutions to meet increased electricity demand as EV adoption accelerates.
Despite these hurdles, the U.S. transportation sector is on the cusp of a transformative shift. As infrastructure expands, technology advances, and affordability improves, EVs are on track to dominate American roads. By 2035, several major automakers have committed to going fully electric, and California plans to ban the sale of new gas-powered vehicles.
Indeed, the “EV takeover” is not simply a trend—it’s the next phase of American mobility and a major step toward a cleaner, greener economy.
Interested in learning more? Green Builder Media’s COGNITION Academy has robust courses on net zero carbon building, green building fundamentals, green product essentials and green building program like ENERGY STAR, Zero Energy Ready Homes, Indoor airPLUS, WaterSense, and HERS ratings. Visit the COGNITION Academy microsite to enroll today!
Check out the COGNITION Carbon Offsets Marketplace if you’re interested in purchasing carbon offsets to mitigate emissions from your products, projects or lifestyle.
By Sara Gutterman
As cofounder and CEO of Green Builder Media, Sara is a visionary thought leader and passionate advocate for sustainability. A former venture capitalist, she has participated in the life cycle (from funding to exit) of over 20 companies, with an emphasis on combining sustainability and profitability. She lives in Lake City, Colo., with her husband, where she is an avid long-distance runner, snowboarder, and Crossfit trainer. She is also on the Board of Directors at Dvele, runs the Rural Segment for Energize Colorado, and is a former County Commissioner.Also Read