Global Split on EV Appeal

The Ipsos Mobility Report 2026, based on over 23,000 adults in 31 countries, reveals a divided global view on electric vehicle (EV) adoption. A clear regional split exists, with growing enthusiasm in Asia and Latin America contrasting with significant doubt in North America and Europe. This signals an uneven shift toward cleaner mobility, shaped by local economic conditions, infrastructure, and even geopolitical factors.

Globally, about 47% of respondents find EVs appealing, but this interest is not uniform. Countries like Indonesia, China, and Thailand in Asia, along with Mexico and Chile in Latin America, show the strongest positive sentiment. China is highlighted as a leading market for EV innovation and volume. Conversely, developed nations such as Japan, Germany, France, Canada, and the United States report more negative views, with EV support dropping to 35% in North America and 38% in Europe. Expectations for 2030 also differ, with 73% of Chinese respondents believing EVs will be common, compared to a more cautious outlook elsewhere. Worldwide, 53% anticipate EVs becoming commonplace within five years, indicating an overall upward trend that masks significant regional disparities.

India Champions Green Transport

India stands out among advanced economies, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable transport. A notable 62% of Indian respondents prefer public transport over personal vehicles for environmental reasons, and 63% actively support dedicated cycling lanes. This regional energy is seen in other emerging markets as well, where EV sales growth rates are high, even if starting from a smaller base. Vietnam is rapidly increasing its EV sales penetration, nearing 40%, while Thailand exceeds 20%. These markets are increasingly driving global EV growth, often supported by more affordable Chinese EV imports and local manufacturing efforts.

Car Reliance and Public Transport Challenges

Despite the growing interest in EVs and cleaner transport, private vehicles continue to hold a strong influence on global mobility choices. Forty-three percent of drivers worldwide consider living without a car impossible, a sentiment particularly strong in the US (65%) and France (64%). Car dependency is significantly higher in rural areas (60%) compared to urban ones (37%). Public transport, while accessible and safe for a majority (62% globally), faces challenges with affordability, with only 52% believing it is an economical option. Urban residents generally find public transport more accessible than those in rural areas, highlighting infrastructure disparities. The substantial investment required to bring US public transit systems up to world-class standards underscores the challenge of shifting away from car-centric infrastructure.

Autonomous Vehicle Doubts and Data Worries

Attitudes toward autonomous vehicle (AV) technology remain divided. Globally, only 36% feel safe riding in a self-driving car, with significant doubt prevalent in Europe and North America. This caution is closely linked to broader distrust in artificial intelligence and data privacy. North America and Europe show considerably lower trust in automakers protecting personal data from connected vehicles compared to the Asia-Pacific region. Concerns about data security and hacking are paramount, with 64% of consumers worried about the safety of collected data and 80% seeking assurance against potential cyber threats. Furthermore, geopolitical tensions are increasingly influencing automotive purchasing decisions, with a notable portion of global respondents willing to avoid vehicles based on their country of origin, impacting perceptions of Chinese and Indian brands. This dynamic adds complexity to the global automotive supply chain, pushing for regionalization and resilience.

Challenges for EV Growth

While emerging markets champion EV adoption, significant hurdles persist. Affordability remains a primary constraint in Latin America and parts of Asia, even with more competitive pricing for Chinese EVs. Infrastructure development, while progressing, may not always keep pace with sales growth, especially in regions with lower car ownership rates but rapidly increasing EV uptake. Developed economies grapple with continued reliance on cars, slower consumer acceptance driven by concerns over charging infrastructure availability and cost, and general hesitation about fully autonomous driving due to trust and privacy issues. The automotive industry faces industry challenges from higher interest rates, persistent input costs, labor shortages, and ongoing geopolitical tensions, all contributing to reduced profits for automakers. The fragmentation of global trade and new tariff complexities necessitate adjusted manufacturing plans, with North America taking a leading role in adapting strategies for supply chain resilience. The different speeds of EV adoption across regions also create challenges for automakers needing to adjust strategies for distinct market dynamics and regulatory environments.

Outlook: Regional Differences Ahead

The automotive industry's future will likely be characterized by continued regional differences in mobility preferences and EV adoption rates. While Asia and Latin America may speed up their shift, driven by supportive policies and more affordable options, North America and Europe will likely see slower but steady progress, possibly supported by hybrid vehicle options and a focus on advanced driver-assistance systems. Geopolitical stability, stable government policies, infrastructure investment, and growing consumer trust in new technologies will be critical factors shaping the pace and direction of this global shift. How well the industry adapts to these different regional demands will determine long-term success.