Most of the world still prefers ICEs over EVs, says new Deloitte study

Despite the push for vehicle electrification, many consumers remain hesitant to embrace all-electric vehicles.

For over a decade, Deloitte’s Global Automotive Consumer Study has tracked key trends shaping the mobility ecosystem. The 2025 edition draws insights from more than 31,000 respondents across 30 countries. This year’s findings spotlight a nuanced landscape where preferences for internal combustion engines (ICE), the shift toward electric vehicles (EVs), connected technology adoption, and Mobility as a Service (MaaS) converge to redefine consumer expectations.

Despite the push for vehicle electrification, many consumers remain hesitant to embrace all-electric vehicles. In most countries, around half would still choose an ICE vehicle as their preferred option, followed by hybrids. Chinese consumers show the biggest preference for a non-ICE vehicle while the U.S. remains loyal to liquid fuel vehicles (62%). Lingering affordability concerns, limited public charging infrastructure, and perceived battery safety risks were among the reasons cited for this preference.

Consumers surveyed in most global markets would prefer to charge their EVs at a dedicated charging facility, reflecting a perception that these locations may offer better services to EV drivers. In the case of Sweden and the Netherlands, respondents had a similar preference between dedicated hubs and traditional service stations.

Connectivity and MaaS

Shifting regulatory perspectives on autonomous technology in certain global markets could facilitate the deployment of self-driving vehicle fleets for both consumer and commercial use. However, safety concerns persist, with more than half of surveyed consumers in India, the United Kingdom, and the United States expressing reservations. Despite this, the integration of artificial intelligence into vehicle systems to support autonomous features is widely regarded as beneficial, especially in Asia-Pacific markets.

When it comes to vehicle connectivity, Chinese customers also show a preference for high usage. 80% of Chinese respondents believe vehicle connectivity to with a smartphone is important, in contrast to 46% in Germany. Trust in automakers to manage connected vehicle data exceeds trust in other entities. However, skepticism about data security remains prevalent, especially in Western markets.

MaaS continues to gain appeal, particularly among younger demographics. In China, 57% of consumers are open to replacing private vehicle ownership with MaaS solutions, compared to just 28% in the U.S. and 27% in Germany. Even though consumers surveyed in India drive a lot, many younger consumers there would be willing to give up vehicle ownership in favor of a MaaS solution. 

Deloitte’s study highlights the complexity of navigating the global mobility landscape. Preferences for traditional powertrains coexist with growing interest in EVs, while connectivity and MaaS solutions hint at transformative changes.