New Yorkers and the nation are more accepting of electric vehicles.
The Roadmap for Policy Momentum tracking poll found widespread support for EVs across various groups but it does not translate across geographic lines. The poll showed more city dwellers support EVs than rural residents. High up front costs and lacking charging infrastructure are consumers’ primary concerns.
Phoebe Green, an intern at the clean energy nonprofit Generation 180, said misconceptions about EVs are also a barrier.
“The biggest misconception is that you’re missing out on being able to do road trips and things like that if you have an electric vehicle,” Green observed. “I think in this day and age, we have the technology and the cars are able to have really long distances they can travel between charges, and we have really great charging infrastructure.”
Though New York is one of several states to offer a rebate to purchase an EV, the poll found more people are still likely to purchase a new gas-powered car over either a new or used electric vehicle.
Electric vehicles’ ability to reduce air pollution, low maintenance and fuel costs are winning more people over as a reason to switch. The poll showed there is a growing market for electric vehicles, with more than half of people saying they will probably buy one in the next five years.
Corey Cantor, research director for the Zero Emission Transportation Association, said addressing core issues affecting the electric vehicle industry will make it more resilient in the long term.
“I think what that says is if we all continue that work of building out electric vehicles, charging, manufacturing, and battery components that you now have more and more customers who are willing to make the switch, especially as we address those concerns,” Cantor noted.
While more affordable models are being made, pushback from the Trump administration has made it harder for people to afford EVs. The 2025 federal megabill ended subsidies for consumers to offset the cost of a new or used EV.
Edwin is a reporter and producer in North Tonawanda, New York. He’s previously reported for the Niagara Gazette and the Ithaca Times. Edwin got an early start in radio interning for WBFO-88.7FM, NPR’s Buffalo affiliate. In 2018, he graduated from SUNY Buffalo State College with a B.A. in Journalism, and in 2022, graduated from Syracuse University with an M.S. in Communications.
