EV Hype Fades: Why Global Consumers Are Revving Back to ICE Vehicles

The automotive industry has witnessed significant shifts in consumer preferences over the last few years, particularly with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). Just when the automotive world thought the electric future was inevitable, consumers slammed the brakes. 

Earnest and Young (EY), one of the world’s leading professional service organization that provides research-driven insights, has recently revealed a surprising trend: 

Consumers are shifting back toward internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, as the initial enthusiasm for EVs cools. 

This evolving shift has been shaped by several factors, including changing policies, geopolitical tensions, and concerns about electric vehicle infrastructure.

Let’s dive into the data driving this U-turn.

The Headline Numbers That Shocked the Industry

The statistics cited here are drawn from EY’s recent 2025 Mobility Consumer Index (MCI) that paints a stark picture of changing consumer intentions. Here are some of the key findings that have shaken the automotive market:

Key Findings	2024	2025	Change
ICE Vehicle Intent	37%	50%	+13%
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Preference	24%	14%	-10%
Hybrid Vehicle Preference	21%	16%	-5%

Moreover, 51% of prospective EV buyers say their plans remain unchanged, and a significant 36% are reconsidering or delaying their EV purchases, primarily due to geopolitical developments and other uncertainties.

Regional Differences in Consumer Intentions

Regionally, the trend toward ICE vehicles has been particularly pronounced in major automotive markets. Here’s a breakdown of how these intentions have shifted across different regions:

Region	Increase in ICE Vehicle Intent
Americas	+12%
Europe	+11%
APAC (Asia Pacific)	+10%

At the same time, BEV intent has fallen across all major markets. This shift in preferences can be attributed to several key factors, such as policy changes like the removal of US EV tax credits and shifting emissions targets, as well as the evolution of automakers’ strategies.

Key Drivers Behind the ICE Revival

Several key drivers have contributed to the revival of ICE vehicles, as consumers reconsider their vehicle choices:

1. Range Anxiety

Range anxiety remains a major concern for 29% of consumers, with first-time EV buyers especially worried about battery limits. Existing BEV owners also cite range as a key issue, driving many back to ICE vehicles, which offer more reliable fuel range and refueling options.

2. Charging Concerns

The lack of charging infrastructure is a significant barrier, with 28% of consumers pointing to the scarcity of stations. 39% of BEV owners are frustrated by the difficulty of finding chargers, long wait times, and high costs, making ICE vehicles more attractive due to the ease of refueling.

3. Connected Technologies

 Consumers prioritize connected features like safety, security, and navigation. However, 39% find the high cost of these services a barrier, complicating the EV transition. Both ICE and EVs are increasingly integrating these features, but practical value remains key in decision-making.

4. Advanced Autonomous Capabilities

Only 26% of consumers are comfortable with fully autonomous (Level 3+) vehicles.

• 60% worry about accidents caused by the system.
• 51% fear technology failures.
• 50% are concerned about losing control of the vehicle.

These concerns highlight why many consumers remain hesitant to fully trust self-driving cars.

Dealerships Dominate the Final Car-Buying Journey

Despite the growing online presence of car sales platforms, dealerships continue to play a crucial role in the final car-buying decision for most consumers. 

• 41% of buyers prefer to complete their car purchase in person, although this is down from 61% in 2024.
• In-person buying remains the most popular channel for car purchases.
• ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicle buyers (32%) are slightly more inclined to buy online compared to EV buyers (28%).
• EV buyers still prefer in-person engagement, mainly due to the need for guidance on:
  • Charging
  • Battery life
  • New technology features

The Bottom Line

The EV revolution isn’t dead, it’s just maturing. Consumers still crave lower emissions and advanced technology, but they’re unwilling to pay a steep premium for underdeveloped infrastructure and uncertain political landscapes.

As Constantin M. Gall, EY’s Global Aerospace, Defense, Automotive & Mobility Sector Leader, puts it, consumers are rejecting a forced “electric-only” future, driving a pragmatic shift toward diverse powertrains that fit real needs, guided by facts and customer choice, not ideology.