As American manufacturers race into the electric vehicle market, something funny is happening. Far from being small and efficient, their EVs seem to be even bigger and heavier than their gas-powered counterparts.
This shift of focus away from small, efficient EVs towards big brash ones is indicative of the ambivalence of American consumers towards the vehicles as shown by a recent Reuters poll. Speaking to 1,005 Americans, the poll found that 65 percent agree that EVs are the future of the auto industry.
Although self-identified Democrats (78 percent) are likelier to believe that than Republicans (53 percent), a majority of both parties’ bases seem to agree that the industry will shift towards EVs.
Read Also: Ford Has Secured 100,000 Reservations For The F-150 Lightning In 3 Weeks
With American automakers making much of their money in the pickup segment, finding a solution that will satisfy both camps is necessary, and big electric SUVs and pickups appear to be that solution.
As Americans on either end of the political spectrum concede that EVs are the future, they also seem to agree that a pickup‘s impact on the environment is not a priority. When asked what they wanted out of a truck, just 19 percent of respondents said they wanted an environmentally friendly model.
Instead, 38 percent of those polled said that they wanted a truck that will cost less to operate over its lifetime and 34 percent said they wanted a truck that was rugged and would last long. And the auto industry is reacting accordingly.
“We have a tremendous opportunity to help consumers understand that benefits of driving electric aren’t just related to the environmental benefits, but performance and capability that EVs offer,” Darryll Harrison, a GM spokesman, told Reuters.
Savings offered by EVs in terms of fuel costs may also help automakers convince buyers that they are worthwhile. As younger buyers enter the market, though, the willingness to adopt EVs may grow. Ford told the outlet that its research showed that an electric truck was an important segment to enter, especially for younger buyers.
Even the diehard gas and diesel pickup owners in Paris, Texas have shown an interest in Ford’s F-150 Lightning, though. Chris Sherman, general manager at the local dealership, says he fields about 40 calls per day about it and has already received 10 pre-orders for it.