BMW Discovers What I’ve Said For 13 Years

A new BMW Group survey finds most Americans drive far less than they think they need an electric vehicle to cover. In the 2026 survey, 73% of respondents said 75 miles or less would handle their daily driving, but 42% said they would still want at least 300 miles of range before considering an EV, and 18% wanted 400 or more. Most daily U.S. driving falls well within what even older or shorter-range EVs can handle.

The survey also found growing openness to EVs overall: 68% of Americans say they would consider one, citing lower running costs, better performance, newer technology, and environmental benefits. Fast charging matters too — 53% said being able to add about 150 miles of range in a 10-minute stop would make them more likely to buy an EV, rising to 70% among Gen Z and 65% among Millennials. Purchase price remains the biggest obstacle, named by 51% of respondents, followed by worries about battery life or replacement cost, charging time, driving range, and access to home or public charging.

For homeowners weighing an EV purchase, the takeaway is less about range and more about charging setup and cost. If you drive a typical daily distance, a shorter-range EV may cover your needs easily, especially if you can charge at home overnight rather than relying on public fast chargers.