NW Poll: Why do drivers choose electric vehicles?

PNW drivers are interested in EVs, but saving money—not the planet—is the real motivator 

Electric vehicles (EVs) are steadily gaining traction, but according to the latest PEMCO Insurance Northwest Poll, most Pacific Northwest drivers still haven’t made the switch. While 80% of respondents report driving a gas-powered vehicle today, more than two-thirds say they’re likely to opt for an EV or hybrid the next time they’re in the market for a new car. 

But what’s fueling their interest? It’s not just about going green — drivers are more motivated by their wallets than the environment. The poll found that 44% of respondents are considering an EV to save money on gas, while fewer (38%) cite reducing carbon emissions as a key factor. In fact, environmental concerns have declined as a motivator since 2021, when more than half (53%) of drivers pointed to emissions reduction as a primary reason to go electric. 

Still, EV adoption isn’t without its hurdles. Nearly half of all respondents said they’d be more inclined to go electric if charging stations were more readily available or if EVs could travel longer distances on a single charge—both factors that contribute to “range anxiety,” or the fear of running out of power before reaching a charging station. Infrastructure concerns remain a major roadblock for PNW drivers considering a switch. 

Despite growing interest in EVs, most residents don’t expect to see gas-powered cars disappear anytime soon. In fact, 71% predict it will take at least another 5 to 15+ years before EVs dominate the roads, and many doubt whether full adoption will ever happen at all. 

The poll also revealed significant skepticism toward self-driving vehicles. Two-thirds (66%) of respondents say they don’t trust the technology behind driverless cars, and a majority also don’t believe autonomous vehicles will make roads safer or reduce traffic. Concern over sharing the road with driverless cars has increased by 10% since 2021, signaling that confidence in the technology may be declining rather than improving. 

While many PNW drivers say they’ll go electric for their next vehicle, about 31% remain unconvinced — proving that the road to widespread EV adoption still has a few bumps ahead. 

Regardless of the type of car you drive, PEMCO encourages drivers to refresh their knowledge of safe driving practices. 

Download a complete summary of PEMCO’s latest poll results here. 

Electric vehicle FAQ

Q: Do electric vehicles cost more to insure than gas-powered cars? 

A:  Typically, yes, because the cost of repairing or replacing electric vehicle parts in case of a loss, can be significantly higher than fixing a traditional engine vehicle.  

Q: What factors influence EV insurance costs? 

A: Similar to all auto insurance, factors like the vehicle's make and model, your driving record, location, and the level of coverage you choose will all impact your EV insurance premium. 

Q: Why does PEMCO cover some EVs and not others? 

A: Each vehicle manufacturer, including the auto make and model is evaluated. Some of the factors that are considered in this evaluation are repair infrastructure, product quality, vehicle cost and weight.