American EVs Lag in Mileage Compared to Global Counterparts: A Unique Challenge on U.S. Roads

Electric vehicles in the United States cover fewer miles each year compared to other kinds of cars, as reported by the Department of Energy (DOE). However, this trend does not hold true in other nations that also have a large number of electric vehicles.

The 2022 National Household Travel Survey revealed that electric vehicles (EVs) were driven for an average of 12,400 miles annually. This is less than the 14,100-mile average for vehicles powered by gasoline and significantly lower than the 17,500-mile average for those running on diesel. The survey highlighted that plug-in hybrids and hybrid vehicles fell into the range between gasoline and diesel vehicle usage. Additionally, the Department of Energy (DOE) pointed out that the average yearly mileage across all household vehicles was 14,200 miles in the year 2022.

Average yearly distance driven per vehicle category in the U.S. for 2022, as reported by the Department of Energy

Plug-in hybrid vehicles, although they clock in more miles annually than most except for diesel engines, often come with smaller battery packs in the American market. This factor, coupled with the greater distances typically covered, prompts worries that they may actually contribute to increased oil consumption due to the limited number of miles driven on electricity alone, as pointed out by recent research from Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF).

Research by BNEF indicates that electric vehicles (EVs) in certain countries log more miles each year. Specifically, in China and the Netherlands, EVs are driven 66% and 56% further than their gas-powered counterparts. One reason for this trend in China could be the widespread use of EVs in ride-sharing services, a point also highlighted by BNEF. Meanwhile, in Norway, known for its supportive stance on EVs, these vehicles are found to cover 40% more distance than traditional combustion engine cars.

Yearly distance covered by electric vehicles compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance data.

Research conducted in the previous year by experts at George Washington University in collaboration with the Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has revealed that electric vehicle (EV) owners tend to drive less compared to drivers of traditional gasoline-powered cars. However, this finding could differ depending on the vehicle model, as certain studies suggest that Tesla owners may clock more miles than drivers of other EV brands. This discrepancy poses challenges to existing emissions projections and the perceived environmental advantages attributed to electric vehicles.

Initial electric vehicles were known for their limited driving distance. With the introduction of electric vehicles capable of covering longer distances, it was expected that the average driving range of electric vehicles would increase. However, this increase has not occurred as rapidly as the potential range of the collective electric vehicles suggests.

Is it possible that for Americans, long-range electric vehicles are considered additional cars, whereas globally they're viewed as the main mode of transportation? This aspect isn't definitive, but it seems to be an issue distinct to the United States, which might call for some solutions tailored specifically to the American context.

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