Electric Vehicles

One of the main reasons keeping American drivers from going electric is that cars are too small. They want size and luxury – and auto companies are delivering.

Americans love their SUVs. Both industry experts and consumers say one of the top reasons US drivers haven't made the switch to EVs is the lack of comparable electric models.

Drivers want an EV SUV that matches the rich features of their gas guzzlers – size, performance and style – but the pickings are slim, says EY partner and American automotive eMobility leader Felipe Smolka. "High initial costs and concerns about range have been major barriers, particularly when juxtaposed with well-established gasoline-powered SUVs, which offer reliability and a broad range of options," he says.

But this year, that will change. Auto companies are preparing dozens of all-electric SUVs for the US market, from luxurious three-row vehicles that can carry football teams to practice, to mini-SUVs with an affordable price tag. These new vehicles could tear down some of the major barriers to EV adoption like price, range and variety.