Californians are embracing electric vehicles (EVs) and want the state to do more to encourage their widespread adoption, with 43% considering buying or leasing an EV before 2025, according to research commissioned by CALinnovates, a non-partisan technology advocacy coalition of tech companies, founders, funders and nonprofits.
Further, that number jumps to 65% if EVs are priced similarly to traditional vehicles and have a range of 200+ miles per charge, according to the Vrge Analytics survey of 837 conducted on Aug. 16.
“Californians are ready to trade in their gas guzzlers for clean cars,” says Mike Montgomery, executive director of CALinnovates, an advocacy group focused on improving industries and expanding economic opportunities for Californians through innovative technologies. “This research suggests that the EV industry in the state is at a tipping point. Automakers should seize on this opportunity and go all-in – by putting a fleet of world-class, innovative, affordable EVs on the roads.”
Per the research, Californians also believe that the state should do more to encourage the development and deployment of additional EVs – with nearly 80% in support. Similar numbers want the state to “push the envelope” in addressing air pollution and global warming, and nearly 70% support Gov. Edmund G. Brown’s goal of putting 1.5 million EVs on the road by 2025.
On issues pending before the state government, 66% support the reauthorization of the state’s law to combat global warming, and 60% support increasing tax credits to encourage more Californians to purchase EVs.
Yet, the research notes that Californians are skeptical of traditional automakers’ commitment to the EV marketplace: Only 13% think that traditional automakers are committed to improving air quality through the sale of EVs, while 34% think they are ambivalent, and 25% think that they would rather sell a “big truck.”
Finally, over 50% of Californians say that the oil and gas industry stands in the way of positive change for California.
“Californians clearly want cleaner skies, and they are open to a wide range of policies from Sacramento to get it,” adds Montgomery. “Once again, innovation fostered in California is poised to transform industry and the environment alike.”
