Most Electric Car Buyers Don't Return to Petrol Or Diesel Cars — And That's a Global Trend

What international studies reveal, and what it means for India

The belief that electric vehicle (EV) owners are having second thoughts and switching back to petrol or diesel is a common talking point. But mounting evidence from global studies tells a different story: once people experience life with an EV, the vast majority don’t want to go back.

EVs: A One-Way Door?

Think of it like switching from a smartphone to a landline — that’s how many EV owners describe returning to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. According to J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience Study, a whopping 94% of battery electric vehicle (BEV) owners say their next car will be electric. Just 12% would even consider reverting to petrol or diesel.

These findings echo the Global EV Alliance’s 2025 survey, which covered over 23,000 drivers across 18 countries, including India. It found that 92% of EV owners plan to stick with electric, and only 1% expressed interest in going back to ICE vehicles.

What’s driving this stickiness? The reasons are both emotional and practical:

• Lower running costs: 45% of owners cite cheaper charging compared to fuelling up with petrol.

• Superior driving experience: The silent ride, instant torque, and smoother acceleration make ICE vehicles feel dated.

• Environmental benefits: Around 40% of users appreciate the reduced emissions.

Even sceptics often change their tune after just a few months. As one Tesla owner put it: “After six months with an EV, my petrol car feels like a relic.”

Generational Split: Not Everyone Is on the Same Page

While EV enthusiasm is high, it varies by age. The 2025 CDK Global EV Ownership Study reveals that over 80% of Gen Z and millennial owners want their next car to be electric. But among baby boomers, that figure drops to 55%. In fact, nearly a third are considering going back to petrol.

This divergence is rooted in priorities. Younger drivers are more likely to embrace new technology and environmental causes. Older buyers tend to value familiarity and perceived reliability. Issues like reduced cold-weather range and complex public charging setups tend to weigh more heavily on older consumers.

Why Do EV Owners Rarely Go Back?

1. Affordability Is Catching Up

EVs are no longer just for the rich. Thanks to schemes like India’s FAME incentive programme and falling battery costs, models like the Tata Nexon EV are now priced close to mid-range petrol SUVs. Globally, 76% of EV owners report saving money after switching — not just on fuel, but on maintenance too. There are fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and regenerative braking helps extend the life of brake pads.

2. Charging at Home Works for Most

Yes, public charging infrastructure is still growing, but 82% of EV owners primarily charge at home. In India, where daily commutes are often under 30 km, a simple home charger meets most needs. Long road trips may require some planning, but companies like Tata Power are rapidly expanding their networks to make this easier.

3. The EV Lifestyle Is Habit-Forming

Once people adjust to EV ownership, they rarely complain. Checking battery range becomes second nature — much like glancing at your phone battery. Over time, range anxiety fades. As the CDK report puts it: “EVs make a strong impression. Once you live with one, you don’t go back.”

India’s EV Moment: Slow but Steady

India may be lagging behind some Western markets, but the direction is clear. In 2024, EVs made up 9% of car sales in the US. India’s figure was closer to 5%, but the momentum is unmistakable:

• More choices: From the ₹10 lakh MG Comet to the ₹25 lakh Hyundai Ioniq 5, buyers now have more electric options than ever before.

• Government support: The ₹10,000 crore FAME-III scheme aims to push EV adoption further.

• Urban relevance: High-traffic, high-pollution cities like Delhi and Bengaluru are becoming early strongholds for EVs.

Challenges remain — initial purchase costs, patchy charging infrastructure, and persistent myths about battery life and servicing. But the data shows these are hurdles, not barriers. Tata’s planned ₹9,000 crore EV investment and the potential entry of Tesla’s India factory suggest that global and local automakers see long-term value in India’s EV market.

Looking Ahead

Despite all the media noise around EV “regret”, the numbers speak for themselves. Once buyers make the switch, most never look back. For India, this points to a likely tipping point: as infrastructure improves and EVs become more accessible, the shift could accelerate sharply.

The takeaway? Electric vehicles may have once seemed like a niche experiment. But for millions of drivers globally — and increasingly in India — they’re simply the better choice. And once you’ve lived with one, going back isn’t even a thought.