Nine in 10 (91%) current EV drivers (both battery EVs and plug-in hybrid EVs) indicate they would consider another EV as their next vehicle. However, the report found that internal combustion engine (ICE) drivers had a different attitude—a declined interest in confidence and satisfaction in EVs. That's according to Shell’s 2025 Recharge Driver Survey, which looks at the view of more than 15,000 drivers across the U.S., Europe and China.
The number of EV drivers owning just one vehicle has risen notably compared to 2024, according to the report. The percentage of EV drivers that only own an EV rose from 34% to 41% in the U.S., from 49% to 54% in Europe and from 72% to 89% in China.
Sixty-one percent of EV drivers globally agree that they worry less than a year ago about running out of charge, and nearly three-quarters (72%) say that the options and availability of public charging points has improved.
In the U.S., the interest is marginally lower (31% in 2025 versus 34% in 2024), while in Europe, it has decreased more substantially (41% in 2025 versus 48% in 2024).
When it comes to policies encouraging the phase-out of ICE vehicles, 46% of drivers of petrol and diesel cars in the U.S. say they agree with such policies.
That backing also appears conditional on changes in prices of EVs: only 56% of the supporters of ICE phase-out would continue their support if EVs stay more expensive than petrol and diesel vehicles. Similarly, half would still support ICE phase-out if charging infrastructure does not improve.
Recently, President Donald Trump signed three Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions into law, rejecting California’s vehicle emission waivers. The disapproved regulations include the Advanced Clean Cars II Rule, which would have required 100% of new vehicles sold in California by 2035 be electric or plug-in hybrids; the Advanced Clean Trucks Rule, which mandated that a growing percentage of new heavy-duty trucks sold in California be zero-emission vehicles; and the Omnibus Low NOx [nitrogen oxides] Rule, which sought to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from both passenger and heavy-duty vehicles.
“Shell has established strong public charging networks in key markets worldwide, and this research reinforces what we hear from our customers: there’s a growing disparity in the transition to electric vehicles,” said David Bunch, group executive vice president of Shell Mobility and Convenience. “While current EV drivers are feeling more confident, the relatively high cost of owning an electric vehicle, combined with broader economic pressures, are making it a difficult decision for new consumers.”
Bunch called for a comprehensive, systems-wide approach to decarbonization, combining electrification with low-carbon fuels.
“With the right policies and industry collaboration, we can make the transition affordable for consumers and attractive for investors,” he said. “But more must be done to stimulate demand and ensure no one is left behind in the shift to cleaner transport.”
In the U.S., 80% of drivers say the reliability of public chargers has improved in the last 12 months, a higher percentage than that of both Europe and China.
The purchase of fuel or electricity often translates to more sales inside the store. A significant majority (75% of EV drivers and 80% of non-EV drivers) purchase at least one non-fuel retail item monthly. Coffee emerged as the most popular choice among all drivers with 4 in 10 (41%) drivers enjoying at least a cup each month; however, 6 in 10 (60%) stated they would only buy coffee from a service station if it was deemed good quality.
"There's a clear demand for good quality coffee among drivers, and we are committed to meeting this need whether that’s through our convenience partners or Shell Café, to ensure drivers have access to high-quality fresh coffee and other amenities,” Bunch said.
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