Explaining U.S. Electric Vehicle Purchase Decisions Beyond Government Incentives
Abstract
The transition from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) represents a fundamental shift in the U.S. automotive landscape. While government incentives have traditionally been viewed as the primary catalyst for EV adoption, growing evidence suggests that consumer decision-making is shaped by a broader set of enduring factors. This study examines how charging infrastructure availability, artificial intelligence–enabled safety technologies, personalized marketing strategies, and evolving consumer expectations collectively influence EV purchase decisions in the United States. Drawing on recent empirical and conceptual research, the analysis highlights how range anxiety, grid reliability, ultra-fast charging, AI-driven safety and service features, and trust-based personalization increasingly shape consumer confidence and intent. The findings indicate that as the EV market matures, non-financial determinants may exert a more sustained influence on adoption than temporary incentive programs. The study offers strategic implications for manufacturers, policymakers, infrastructure providers, and marketers seeking to accelerate long-term EV adoption through ecosystem development rather than pricebased interventions alone
How to Cite This Article
David Baglee, Mike Mills (2026). Explaining U.S. Electric Vehicle Purchase Decisions Beyond Government Incentives . Journal of Frontiers in Multidisciplinary Research (JFMR), 7(1), 101-104. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54660/.JFMR.2026.7.1.101-104