A new Electric Vehicle Intelligence Report (EVIR) reveals shifting consumer perceptions in the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) market, with Honda, Chevrolet, and Ford gaining ground as Tesla‘s brand reputation weakens. Based on a survey of over 8,000 U.S. consumers, the report highlights practical concerns like range and charging infrastructure driving EV purchase decisions, while Tesla struggles with trust and safety perceptions.

Consumer Priorities: Range and Reliability Over Style

The EVIR survey, conducted in April 2025, shows that 51% of consumers cite battery range as their top concern when considering an EV, followed by charging station availability (49%) and price (47%). These practical factors outweigh style (3%) or community perception (2%) as purchase motivators. Gas savings motivate 32% of all consumers, while 23% prioritize environmental benefits. Among those considering an EV, 59% worry about range, equivalent to concerns about traveling over 200–300 miles (322–483 kilometers) on a single charge for most models.

This focus on reliability favors brands like Honda, which 89% of consumers view as safe, and Chevrolet, trusted by 71%. Honda’s strong brand positivity (51%) and trust (78%) position it as a leader, though its models, like the Honda Prologue, lag in purchase intent, with only 5% of EV-interested consumers currently considering it.

Honda, Chevrolet Surge As Tesla’s Ev Trust Falters In 2025 Consumer Survey

Tesla’s Brand Challenges

Tesla’s reputation faces significant hurdles, with 44% of consumers expressing distrust, the highest among tested brands, and a trust intensity score of -15, the only negative score recorded. Only 32% view Tesla positively, compared to 39% negatively, and just 51% consider its vehicles safe, ranking second to last above VinFast (38%). The Tesla Cybertruck struggles most, with 55% of prospective EV buyers saying they “would never consider” it, while the Modelo X e Modelo 3 see 42% rejection rates.

Despite these challenges, Tesla retains some appeal, with 16% of consumers currently considering its vehicles and 28% open to them. Among younger buyers (18–44), 23% are considering a Tesla, and 27% of high-income consumers ($150,000+ USD) show interest, though this group still ranks Tesla low in positivity (9%).

Rising Competitors and Market Trends

Honda, Chevrolet, and Ford are capitalizing on Tesla’s stumbles, particularly in family-friendliness, with 83%, 80%, and 79% of consumers viewing them favorably in this category. Chevrolet’s Equinox EV leads purchase intent at 12%, closely followed by Hyundai‘s Ioniq 5 (11%) and Kia’s EV9 (10%). These brands benefit from strong trust and safety perceptions, with Nissan (82% safe) also ranking high.

Smaller EV makers like Lúcido (9% positive view), Rivian (14%), and VinFast (2%) struggle with brand recognition, though Rivian’s R1S garners 10% purchase intent among EV enthusiasts. Higher-income consumers ($150,000+ USD) show slightly more familiarity with these brands, but multinationals dominate mainstream appeal.

Charging Infrastructure Preferences

Charging infrastructure remains critical, with 49% of consumers concerned about station availability. For home chargers, United Charger’s Grizzl-E Duo leads with a 59% interest score, while Tesla’s Wall Connector trails at 21%, with 32% unwilling to consider it. However, Tesla chargers are preferred by 28% of consumers for public charging networks, edging out JuiceBox (14%) and Emporia (12%).

Olhando para o futuro

The EV market is at a crossroads, with practical concerns shaping consumer choices and established brands like Honda and Chevrolet gaining traction. Tesla’s ability to rebuild trust will be pivotal, while emerging players like Rivian face challenges breaking into the mainstream. As EVs become more affordable—potentially reducing the $30,000–$50,000 (USD) price barrier—these trends will shape the industry’s trajectory.

Photos courtesy of Tesla / Drive