FI showroom red and grey logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Consumers Will Switch Brands for EVs

Lack of choice among reasons buyers try out makers they haven’t before, Edmunds survey finds.

June 22, 2023
Consumers Will Switch Brands for EVs

Just two of the five brands consumers trust the most to make quality EVs are also among the top EV sellers: Tesla and Chevrolet.

IMAGE: Pexels/Pixabay

2 min to read


In order to get an electric vehicle that they want, buyers are switching brands, an Edmunds study found.

The online car-shopping resource surveyed shoppers, 85% of whom said they’re willing to buy an EV from a maker whose models they don’t or haven’t owned before.

Ad Loading...

The sentiment seemed to be reflected in Edmunds' first-quarter sales data, which show 63% of EV purchases that involved trade-ins were of different brands than the trade-ins’ brands.

Edmunds said that percentage is falling as legacy automakers scale EV production but that a significantly higher percentage of EV shoppers are willing to switch brands than across the industry as a whole. In the first quarter, 51% of all vehicle transactions with trade-ins involved those of the same brand as the new purchase.

"Traditionally, automakers count on consumer loyalty to carry their sales rates, but consumer interest in EVs combined with the limited number of options in the market is spurring shoppers to consider taking the wheel of brands they've never driven,” said Edmunds Executive Director of Insights Jessica Caldwell.

"EVs are throwing a monkey wrench into the loyalty patterns that automakers have grown accustomed to, and it will be fascinating to watch if the growing number of EV models from mainstream brands will shift consumers back fully toward their loyalty tendencies or if brand allegiances are a thing of the past.”

Edmunds’ survey also found that EV sales keep increasing despite their higher prices. Their May market share was about 7%, up from 5% a year earlier, despite their average transaction price of $65,381, well above the overall new-vehicle ATP of $47,892.

Ad Loading...

It pointed out that some brands aren’t capitalizing on consumers’ trust in them when it comes to EVs, just two of the five brands consumers trust the most to make quality EVs also among the top EV sellers: Tesla and Chevrolet—the rest of the trusted brands are BMW, Toyota and Audi.

LEARN MORE: JD Power Survey Finds Modest Growth in EV Interest

Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today

More Showroom

outside shot of two trucks in front of a body of water with a cloudy sky
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJuly 29, 2026

Used Market Stabilizes

The Carfax Used Car Index noted a major drop in used-vehicle price increases in July after several months of hikes.

Read More →
Twilight of white hybrid car.
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJuly 22, 2026

California Hybrids Reach State Record

The Golden State still leads the country in electric-vehicle registrations, but much like the rest of the U.S. its hybrid market share is up while full electrics stabilize after a dramatic first-quarter dip.

Read More →
White meeting room in car dealership with rims displayed on wall and projected screen
Showroomby Hannah MitchellJuly 22, 2026

My Mercedes in the U.S.

The German brand debuted its studio dealership concept for the first time in the states in Los Angeles, tapping Americans’ penchant for creative distinctions.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of parked cars of various types for sale on a lot
Showroomby Hannah MitchellJuly 20, 2026

Used Sales Hit Summer Drag

The vacation season, combined with high prices, has dented deliveries and added to inventories, though supply is still slim enough to keep listings elevated.

Read More →
desert road with cars driving away, Rebates Incoming with red star graphic, F&I and Showroom logo
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJuly 15, 2026

California Launches EV Rebate Program

Participating automakers are matching the state's $13.5 million investment in new electric-vehicle rebates scheduled to take effect later this summer.

Read More →
Aerial shot of a car dealership
Showroomby Hannah MitchellJuly 13, 2026

OEM Poll Sees Industry Evolution

Kerrigan Advisors’ survey of automakers finds that tariffs, technology, network tightening and other factors are poised to reshape auto retail.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of cars lined up on lot
ShowroomJuly 10, 2026

The Trade-In Paradox

Retailing older cars with confidence in today’s market is a matter of establishing and following a clear process that can turn greater profit for auto dealers as they aim to meet used-unit hunger.

Read More →
Phot of a dark Kia vehicle interior with steering part of steering wheel and dashboard
Showroomby Hannah MitchellJune 29, 2026

Focus on Vehicle Cabins

The market for interior materials will grow in coming years as automakers look to meet consumer demand while staying competitive with changeups to sourcing and included features.

Read More →
Photo of multiple new SUVs on a car dealership lot
Showroomby Hannah MitchellJune 22, 2026

State Follows Federal Warning on Auto Ads

The Massachusetts attorney general cautioned the state’s automotive dealers to be upfront with the consuming public about their vehicle prices or risk punishment.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Map of Europe next to back of EV car.
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJune 22, 2026

European EV Market Hits Record

Seven out of the top 10 electric vehicles sold so far in 2026 in Europe are by European brands, and automakers are seeing the power train fill up their order books.

Read More →