Nissan Survey Shows Rising EV Demand Among Young Urban Residents

EV ownership is set to surge over 50% in the next decade, with young urbanites driving demand for sustainable mobility.
Global youth survey by Economist Impact, sponsored by Nissan, reveals electric vehicles are preferred mobility option

Electric Vehicle Adoption Expected to Rise in the Next Decade, Study Finds

A recent survey conducted by Nissan and Economist Impact highlights a significant shift in mobility preferences among young urban residents globally. The study reveals that electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction as the preferred mode of transportation, driven by a growing desire for sustainable mobility solutions.

Survey Insights on Future Mobility

The survey gathered responses from 3,750 participants aged 18-30 across 15 major cities worldwide, including Shanghai, São Paulo, and Mexico City. Findings suggest a substantial increase in EV ownership, with expectations rising from 23% today to over 35% in the coming decade. Enthusiasm for EVs is notably higher in emerging cities, where 44% of respondents anticipate driving electric vehicles within the next five years, compared to 31% in developed cities.

Environmental concerns, such as pollution and congestion, are significantly influencing this shift towards EVs, especially in rapidly developing urban areas. Young urbanites are increasingly aware of innovative technologies like energy storage and vehicle-to-everything (V-to-X), with over 40% indicating these advancements will affect their transportation choices.

Challenges and Opportunities in EV Adoption

While there is a clear trend towards adopting electric vehicles, respondents in different regions face distinct challenges. In emerging cities, concerns around battery performance are prevalent, whereas in developed cities, the higher cost of EVs compared to traditional vehicles remains a significant barrier.

“This research explores how the younger generations envision the future of mobility—an essential perspective, as their choices will directly shape the evolving mobility landscape,” said Ritu Bhandari, Asia-Pacific Sustainability lead at Economist Impact. The study underscores the necessity for cities to balance environmental objectives with practical commuter needs like affordability and convenience.

The Broader Impact of EV Technologies

Beyond serving as a mode of transport, electric vehicles are increasingly viewed as tools for energy management. The survey indicates that over half of the participants recognize the potential of EVs to power external devices and store surplus renewable energy. This aspect is particularly appealing in emerging cities, where there is greater enthusiasm for using EVs beyond mobility purposes, such as during emergencies.

Lavanya Wadgaonkar, Nissan’s corporate vice president of Global Communications, emphasized the importance of making electrification both practical and cost-effective. “This survey reaffirms the growing demand for electrification and the need to create more awareness, but long-term success hinges on making EV adoption seamless, practical, and cost-effective,” Wadgaonkar stated.

Looking Ahead

Nissan continues to invest in its electrification strategy by enhancing charging infrastructure, developing advanced battery technology, and integrating smart charging solutions. The company’s vision is to establish a comprehensive and efficient EV energy ecosystem that supports cleaner and more inclusive mobility.

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Original Story at usa.nissannews.com