Why men buy more electric cars than women in the U.S.

Why men are buying more electric cars than women

When you look at the sales data from 2024, you can see that men are much more likely to drive home in a new electric car. Men accounted for 64% of new EV registrations that year, while women accounted for 36%.

This significant difference is evident in the electric truck market. Men also dominate the electric pickup segment, but a verified U.S. percentage for 2024–25 could not be confirmed.

Men love being the first to try tech

This early adoption is driven by excitement for new gadgets. Multiple datasets show men buy/own far more EVs than women; e.g., S&P Global Mobility found women were about 28% of EV registrations (2022), and 2023 analyses put the buyer mix near 67% men / 33% women.

This eagerness means that many male drivers are drawn to advanced software and screens before considering other issues.

Women are wary of too much car software

A cautious approach from women matches the tech excitement of men. Electric cars feel like a phone that drives, but many women are less comfortable with all the new technology.

A review of studies through September 10, 2025, showed that women consistently express more concern about potential technological failures and hacking than men do. They want the car to be reliable and straightforward, avoiding a complex computer system.

The price tag is too high for women

The sticker price is a significant issue. Electric cars are still much more expensive than most gas cars, a deal-breaker for many women. According to data from Escalent’s EVForward on May 18, 2025, a large group of women is waiting.

Affordability is a hurdle; recent estimates put the average EV transaction price near $58,000 (Sep 2025, KBB).

Home charger install is a mystery cost

The high price is made worse by the unclear cost of setting up home charging. Typical U.S. installations average around $964 (range: $551–$1,381), although panel upgrades or long runs can push costs well above $2,500.

An Auto Trader report from June 9, 2023, noted that women are “less keen to deal with home installation challenges.” This unclear cost makes the whole process feel expensive and risky.

Safety worries at public chargers

Beyond cost and complexity, women have legitimate safety concerns when they stop to charge their devices in public. A J.D. Safety is a key barrier: one analysis found only 43% of women felt safe using public chargers; other studies note significant safety concerns among women.

This is more than twice the rate for men, as only 22% of male drivers reported that concern. This is why 55% of women list a lack of safe public charging as a significant worry.

Car commercials target the wrong features

Safety concerns are often overlooked in car advertisements. The way companies advertise EVs usually fails to connect with what women truly care about in a car. An Auto Trader analysis from April 2, 2025, confirmed that EV ads focus heavily on fast acceleration and screen technology.

However, when asked to rank priorities, women chose Safety Ratings (70%) and Reliability (65%) as their most important factors. The speed and gadgets that ads show are ranked much lower by most female shoppers.

Eco-friendly choice is often a hybrid

The focus on safety and practicality also changes how women try to help the planet. A Yale Climate Change survey on February 1, 2025, confirmed that 72% of women view climate change as a serious threat, compared to 61% of men.

Despite this, 33% of women chose a hybrid or plug-in hybrid for their last vehicle purchase in 2025. They view it as a safer, more familiar electric step, compared to only 19% of men.

Car trips involve multiple family stops

This need for practicality means women look at cars with a focus on their whole family’s daily life.

Women often have more complex daily driving patterns than men, as they frequently make multiple stops for family and household chores. While men typically prioritize performance, women tend to focus on utility.

Research from 2025 indicates that women consider safety and cargo space top priorities, needing room for everyone and everything.

Female car advice is trust-based

When they finally decide to buy a car, women tend to rely more on personal trust than on researching information online. A study on October 22, 2024, found that men are more likely to research cars using online videos (34%) and forums (22%).

In contrast, women are more likely to rely on in-person experiences and trusted advice. Because fewer women own EVs, obtaining the honest, firsthand advice they need to feel confident in their purchase is more challenging.

The dealership experience adds to the gap

This reliance on trust exacerbates the negative shopping experience. Buying the car is more complex for women, making them less likely to choose new technologies.

A Citroën study from May 14, 2025, found that 48% of women feel the car shopping experience is “tailored towards the male audience.” Additionally, 44% of women felt talked down to or “patronized” by male car staff.

Want to know why Mazda thinks the EV race overlooks key climate goals? Read more in Mazda says EV tunnel vision misses bigger emissions picture.

Female EV interest is now growing faster

Despite all the challenges, the good news is that women’s interest in electric cars is rising quickly. The overall growth in EV consideration remained stable in the U.S. in the first part of 2025, but women’s interest is catching up.

As more affordable, family-friendly EV models become available, the industry expects the growth rate for female EV consideration to accelerate. This shift is crucial for transitioning EVs from a niche product to one that appeals to all drivers.

Curious how Ford plans to boost sales amid slowing EV demand? Find out in Ford plans new moves to handle weak EV demand.

What’s driving this EV gender gap? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Read More From This Brand:

• Legacy automakers extend gas-engine lifelines as EV growth slows
• Chevy Bolt takes on Nissan Leaf in the budget-EV rematch
• UK puts £10 million into better EV chargers for the future

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.