A new report titled “The State of EVs, 2023 Report on Smart Mobility” released by Verra Mobility Corporation says that 78% of Americans would consider renting an EV as a way to ‘test drive’ the technology before buying. Verra Mobility polled 2,000 Americans aged 25 and older regarding their perspective on renting an EV and views around safety, convenience, and the decision to purchase one in 2023.

According to research from Modor Intelligence, the EV rental car market was valued at $9.13 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $20.42 billion by 2027. Verra Mobility found that 27% of survey respondents had previously rented an EV (19% for personal use, and 8% for business). Of those who had rented an EV, 64% would consider buying an EV based on their driving experience.

Verra Mobility’s survey also explored perceptions around EVs, finding that 63% of respondents expected maintenance costs to be higher with EVs versus gas vehicles. Survey respondents also thought incidents of roadside assistance would be greater with EVs. However, 77% of respondents felt that EVs were as safe or safer than gas-powered automobiles.

Despite the growing popularity of EVs, concerns such as the availability of charging stations and cost still remain high, Verra Mobility also found in its own employee focus group. Seventy-nine percent of U.S. drivers polled reported being concerned about range anxiety and noted the availability of charging stations as the No. 1 obstacle, with (33%) owning/driving an EV, followed by cost (29%). In addition, 40% of those surveyed said they would rent an EV over a gas vehicle if cost wasn’t a factor and only 19% said they would rent a gas vehicle regardless of price.