- 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
September 9, 2026
Chicago — 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.
The growing consumer optimism comes as EV adoption and charging network expansion remain uneven across the US, making improved consumer sentiment an important signal for where the market may be headed.
Gas prices aren’t the whole story
Volatile fuel costs have contributed to that sentiment shift, with 57% of US drivers surveyed saying gas prices influenced their interest in EVs. Among current EV drivers, that figure rises to nearly 8 out of 10. Yet EV consideration is increasingly driven by EV charging improvements. US respondents also cited improving EV range and charging speed (35%), charging infrastructure (31%) and charging availability at home or work (29%) as key factors driving increased consideration. While charging availability and driving range still ranked among the top three barriers, those selecting these concerns declined by 14% and 15% respectively since last year’s report.
Infrastructure progress eases consumer concerns
The EV market maturity data also points to continued infrastructure advancement across the country. The US added 31,600 public charge points since last year’s Index, representing 13% of the country’s total charge points. It increased total charge power 47%, from 14.1 GW to 20.7 GW, improving charging performance and reducing charging times for drivers.
As charging infrastructure continues to expand, consumers increasingly feel progress is sufficient to support current demand. Positive perceptions of public charging availability increased from 28% to 47%, while 60% of US respondents expressed confidence in the country’s ability to develop the infrastructure needed for greater EV adoption.
“This year’s EV index shows Americans are becoming more open to the idea of driving an EV and more confident in the infrastructure needed to support them,” said Robert Fisher, Senior Consulting Manager at SBD Automotive. “While EV uptake may be slowing, the findings suggest continued investment in charging infrastructure is starting to translate into greater consumer confidence. Consumer sentiment often leads purchasing behavior, making confidence an important indicator to watch as the market continues to evolve.”
EV ownership starts to prove its value
- Americans increasingly view EVs as a practical purchase. Better value for money (31%) emerged as the leading motivator for EV adoption, followed by better performance (29%) and lower maintenance costs (29%). Further, more US respondents say EVs cost less to own and operate than those who believe they cost more.
- Lessons from the lived experience: EV drivers are generally satisfied. EV drivers overwhelmingly rate public charging coverage as good or better (85%), a 13% jump from last year. Many EV owners report the experience exceeds expectations. Nearly three-quarters say charging has been better than expected, 76% report vehicle range performs better than expected and 77% would likely replace their current EV with another EV.
- Consumers seek more choices, but trust matters. The survey explored attitudes toward foreign and domestic automakers, finding more than one-third of US drivers would consider a Chinese EV. Still, domestic loyalty is strong, with more than three-quarters of Americans (76%) saying they would likely consider a US automaker. Only 10% would not. These findings suggest that while US consumers are increasingly open to new EV entrants and technologies, brand familiarity and trust remain important purchasing considerations.
2026 US EV rankings snapshot
While consumer sentiment provides one perspective on EV readiness, the rankings offer a snapshot of where infrastructure and adoption are developing together to support long-term market growth.
- Top 5 US states in EV index: Delaware (1), Washington, D.C. (2), New Jersey (3), Massachusetts (4) and Connecticut (5).
- Delaware and D.C. held onto the top seats. Connecticut returns this year, with measured improvements across charge point expansion, charger ratio and EV adoption. Notably, Connecticut is the only state to incentivize used EV ownership.
- The rankings continue to highlight the EV readiness along the East Coast, where a combination of infrastructure investment, EV adoption and policy support has helped create some of the country’s most mature EV ecosystems.
- Most improved: Alaska leapt halfway up the chart with new chargers and increased average charge power. Oklahoma and Utah saw the next biggest boosts.
- Biggest decreases: Iowa fell dramatically as charging infrastructure failed to keep pace with EV sales. Washington and South Dakota landed in the bottom driven by decreasing chargers per EV.
“The latest findings show that confidence in EV ownership is increasingly tied to confidence in the charging experience. Drivers want to know where chargers are located, whether they’re available, how quickly they can charge and how charging fits into everyday journeys,” said Denise Doyle, Chief Product Officer at HERE Technologies. “As EV adoption grows, high-quality location data and real-time charging information will play an increasingly important role in helping drivers make the electric transition with confidence.”
Methodology
The HERE-SBD EV Index 2026 combines two complementary analyses:
- Index rankings: An assessment of EV infrastructure and adoption maturity across 50 US states and Washington, D.C., 30 European countries, 34 Indian states and union territories and 8 Australian states and territories. The index uses an innovative methodology for analysis of HERE proprietary EV charge point data and other government and automotive data sources between June 2025 and June 2026.
- Consumer survey: Insights from more than 4,000 drivers across the US, Europe, India and Australia exploring EV perceptions, purchase motivations, ownership experiences and infrastructure readiness. SBD conducted the survey online during June and July 2026.
To see how EV maturity in the US stacks up against other regions, check out the HERE-SBD EV Index 2026 and the EV perception report at: here.com/ev-index-2026.
Media contacts
HERE Technologies
Danielle Beer
danielle.beer@here.com
About HERE Technologies
HERE is the global leader in mapping and location technology. For more than 40 years, we’ve been powering innovation for the world’s most recognizable companies: from launching our first digital map in 1985, to shaping the future of software-defined vehicles today. With the industry’s freshest and richest unified map and a portfolio of products, services and solutions that serve the needs of multiple industries, HERE reveals opportunities that drive progress and unlock new possibilities for every moving vehicle. Discover more at here.com.
About SBD Automotive
For nearly three decades, SBD Automotive has combined deep automotive expertise, research and consulting to deliver insights that enable better decisions – helping clients grow appeal, optimize cost and risk, and create lifetime value for safer, more secure, sustainable and seamless mobility outcomes worldwide.
For more information, visit sbdautomotive.com.
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