The survey of 1,213 adults, released by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) and Consumers Union, the policy and advocacy arm of Consumer Reports, also says that 76% of drivers are unaware of the federal EV tax credit. Yet nearly 13% of respondents identified costs as a main barrier to purchasing an EV.

The research also finds that more than half of California drivers are likely to consider an EV for their next vehicle purchase or lease, while more than 65% of drivers are interested in electric vehicles generally.

“Many California consumers who might be looking for a new car this summer are primed and ready to purchase an electric vehicle,” said Don Anair, research and deputy director for the UCS Clean Vehicles Program. “These survey results should be encouraging news to automakers who are offering EVs or set to bring new vehicle models to market.”