Survey reveals that youth continue to prefer electric vehicles

Nissan have commissioned an Economist Impact survey targeting the future mobility choices of young urban dwellers. The findings based on the responses from 3 750 participants residing in 15 global cities, reveal the younger generations preference for electric vehicles. These findings reinforce Nissan’s ongoing efforts in electrification and the brand’s commitment to sustainable solutions to meet evolving needs.

Findings included the fact that the majority (57%) of young city residents are willing to change their travel habits to reduce their carbon footprint while those in emerging cities see environmental concerns as an urgency for their mobility choices.

Electric vehicles emerged as the preferred mode of mobility and EV ownership amongst respondents is expected to climb from 23% to more than 35% in the next decade.

Enthusiasm is the strongest in emerging cities, with 44% envisioning that they will drive an EV in the next five years, compared to 31% in developed cities, with the realities of pollution pushing them to consider sustainability.

Younger urbanites have also revealed a strong interest in innovations such as energy storage, alternative fuels and vehicle to everything, with more than 40% of respondents indicating that these technologies will influence their future mobility choices.

The research reveals how the younger generation envisions the future of mobility, which is an essential perspective as their choices will directly shape the evolving mobility landscape. The findings showcase that for sustainable mobility to succeed, cities need to balance environmental goals with real commuter priorities such as affordability, convenience and inclusivity.

Achieving this will require flexible, multimodal solutions that seamlessly integrate with public transit, electric vehicles, shared mobility and active transport in a connected, accessible network.

The survey reaffirms the growing demand for electrification and the need to create more awareness, but long-term success hinges on making EV adoption seamless, practical and cost-effective.

Younger generations prefer electric vehicles

More than one-third of survey respondents expect to use a personally owned electric vehicle within the decade. For the ten-year outlook, EV ownership preference has surged by more than 50%. Enthusiasm is strongest in emerging cities with 44% envisioning driving EVs in the next five years, compared to 31% in developing cities. Factors that shape EV adoption include battery performance, charging infrastructure and costs.

Further enthusiasm for EVs goes beyond mobility

More than 40% of survey respondents are excited about new EV technologies and recognised their potential to influence everyday life. Half of the respondents are aware that EVs can both power external devices as well as store excess renewable energy, as EVs evolve from being a transport device into a potential tool for energy management. Respondents in emerging cities displayed more enthusiasm for the application of EVs beyond mobility, such as using, sharing and transporting electricity during emergencies.

The findings of this recent survey align with Nissan’s vision of developing and promoting cleaner, safer and more inclusive mobility for everyone, everywhere. Nissan continues to advance its electrification strategy to make EVs more accessible and cost competitive, working to improve charging infrastructure, enhance battery technology and develop more cost-effective EV solutions. By integrating smart charging solutions, battery energy storage innovations and vehicle to everything solutions, Nissan aims to create a more holistic and efficient EV energy ecosystem.

Nissan is providing practical solutions to the world’s transport and energy needs and remains focussed on investing in future-ready solutions to shape a more sustainable and resilient transportation future.