Electric vehicle interest among car shoppers is shifting again, according to CDK Global’s latest Car Shopper Shifts on EVs study, and the findings point to a market that is becoming more selective rather than turning away entirely.
The study, based on feedback from more than 1,300 in-market shoppers considering gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric vehicles, found a sharp decline in overall EV consideration compared with last year.
Among shoppers currently driving gas vehicles, just 11 per cent said they plan to buy an EV, down from 31 per cent in 2024. Hybrid consideration also softened, falling from 54 per cent to 35 per cent year over year, while plug-in hybrid interest slipped slightly from 58 per cent to 54 per cent.
At the same time, buyers already committed to EVs continue to show confidence. Current EV owners reported strong loyalty to the technology, with many indicating they plan to remain electric for their next purchase. The research suggests this group is more comfortable with charging, range and daily usability, separating them clearly from shoppers still on the fence.
Incentives remain a major factor shaping behaviour. The study found that 77 per cent of shoppers said future incentives would influence their decision to lease an EV, highlighting how sensitive demand remains to government policy and pricing support. Misconceptions also persist across all shopper groups, particularly around charging access and real-world ownership costs.
The overall message is about focus. EV demand has not disappeared, but it is no longer broad-based. Dealers need to distinguish between casual interest and serious intent, tailoring inventory, staff training and customer conversations accordingly. Clear explanations around incentives, charging options and ownership realities will matter more than ever.
The EV road ahead may be uneven, but for dealers who understand where confidence still exists, and where hesitation begins, opportunity remains.
