2026 Deloitte Global Automotive Consumer Study: US EV Demand Jumps 40%
Deloitte's 2026 Global Automotive Consumer Study shows US EV demand grew by 40% year-over-year. Explore how the US compares to surging markets in China and Japan.
Americans are holding onto their gas pedals, but the electric spark is finally starting to catch fire. While the overall numbers remain modest, the momentum behind sustainable transport in the US is hitting a significant inflection point.
US EV Demand in 2026: A Slow Burn with Rapid Growth
According to the 2026 Deloitte Global Automotive Consumer Study, 7% of US car buyers want an electric vehicle (EV) for their next purchase. It sounds meager, but it's actually a 40% increase from 2025, where demand sat at just 5%. Despite this growth, the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) still reigns supreme in America, with 61% of consumers planning to stick with traditional gas-powered rides.
The Global Divide: Why the US is an ICE Outlier
The US remains an outlier when compared to other major markets. In Germany, fewer than half of buyers want another gas car. In China, Japan, and South Korea, that number drops to just 41%. China is leading the charge with 20% EV demand, while Japan shows a unique preference for hybrids, which command 37% of the market compared to a mere 5% for pure battery EVs.
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