Going Electric: New Survey Finds That 43% of Californians Considering Buying or Leasing an Electric Vehicle by 2025

When informed that there are EVs in development that are roughly the same price as traditional vehicles with a range of more than 200 miles per charge, sixty-five percent of respondents say they would consider buying or leasing one. 

"Californians are ready to trade-in their gas guzzlers for clean cars," said 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."

Californians also believe that the state should do more to encourage the development and deployment of additional electric vehicles – 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 Governor 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, Californians are skeptical of traditional automakers commitment to the electric vehicle marketplace.  Only 13% think that traditional automakers are committed to improving air quality through the sale of electric vehicles, while 34% think they are ambivalent, and 25% think that they would rather sell a "big truck."

Finally, over 50% of Californians said 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," added Montgomery.  "Once again, innovation fostered in California is poised to transform industry and the environment alike."

CALinnovates is a non-partisan coalition of tech companies, founders, funders and non-profits determined to make the new economy a reality.

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SOURCE CALinnovates