The Road to EV: America's Move to the Electric Vehicle Part 4

With many of the auto manufacturers making public announcements pledging an all-electric lineup within the next 15 years, the potential landscape beneath a host of industries and our resulting way of life have shifted in an instant. While much remains to be seen around the ultimate timing and penetration of these pledges, the possible implications are breathtaking.

The Harris Poll is conducting a 4-part EV Series that will explore a wide array of insights to better understand America’s attitudes, behaviors, and the overall impact an all-electric auto industry will have on society.

Part 1 explores consumer reaction to OEM EV announcements and gauges whether they have moved the needle in various purchase funnel and reputational measures. Part 2 looks at America’s readiness to accept EV’s, loyalty toward Auto Manufacturers who plan to offer EV, top concerns over EV’s, and finally, openness to trying new technologies/advancements in relation to EVs. Part 3 looks at EV infrastructure as a potential inhibitor or facilitator of EV purchase as well as the impact the future threat of gas shortages as witnessed through the recent cyber attack could have on the same. Part 4 examines the expectations for the next industry to make a commitment to clean energy as well as the sectors most impacted by the Auto Manufacturers pledge to go all electric.

With auto manufacturers being the first industry to make a major commitment to clean energy, it’s only a matter of time before the public’s expectations for the next industry to step up takes center stage. Over one-third of Americans believe the Manufacturing, Energy, and Airline industries should be the next to make a commitment to clean energy, with nearly half of Baby Boomers saying the Manufacturing industry.

While the auto industry’s shift to all electric vehicles will benefit clean energy related companies and associations, the companies that rely on fossil fuels will need to innovate and figure out a way to adapt. Half of the public believes gas stations, auto manufacturers who have not committed to going all EV, and other fossil fuel related companies are at risk, with one third feeling auto parts suppliers are in danger.

Over three-quarters of Americans think gas stations can start adapting by installing electric charging stations and seven in ten feel auto parts suppliers that rely on auto parts for gas-powered vehicles should find ways to reinvent themselves or they will go out of business.

An indicator that things might be moving too fast, over half also feel that the fossil fuel companies should lobby against the auto industry going all electric.

Finally, with the recent electric grid infrastructure issues the country has faced over the past year, electric companies and the energy industry need to prepare for the increased demand as more Americans make the move to EV ownership. Over six in ten are worried that their electric company will not be able to meet the emerging demand from everyone using electric vehicles.