- 47% of Gen Z and 41% of Millennials are driving more than five years ago, defying stereotypes about their disinterest in cars.
- 68% of Americans believe the U.S. lacks the infrastructure needed for widespread EV adoption, creating a significant barrier.
- Lack of firsthand experience with EVs is a major barrier to adoption, highlighting the importance of events like Electrify Expo.
You’ve heard it all before: Gen Z is too busy scrolling TikTok to care about driving. They’re the generation that’s supposed to be killing the car industry, right? Well, not so fast. A recent survey by Enterprise Mobility, a leading provider of mobility solutions, reveals that Gen Z is defying these stereotypes, not only getting behind the wheel but also doing so more than any other generational group.
It turns out that not only is Gen Z spending time in virtual spaces, they’re hitting the roads, looking for real-world freedom and control that driving can offer.
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Gen Z Defies Expectations: Driving More Than Ever, Embracing Car Ownership
We’ve been led to believe that Gen Z would rather ride a scooter or hop on public transit than drive. But, according to Enterprise Mobility’s “On the Move” survey, 47% of Gen Z and 41% of Millennials report driving more now than they did five years ago. Compare that to Gen X at 33% and Baby Boomers at just 16%, and it’s clear: the youngest drivers aren’t giving up their car keys anytime soon.
“As we look toward the future, it’s important for us to stay informed about consumer perspectives on the current state of mobility,” said Will Withington, Executive Vice President of Global Operations at Enterprise Mobility. “This survey represents a snapshot of how the public views a range of mobility trends, which helps us stay better informed as we work to develop and provide mobility solutions for our customers both today and in the future.”
This data shatters the myth that Gen Z is abandoning the car. Instead, it shows that this generation values the independence and flexibility that comes with driving. And with 73% of Americans expecting privately owned vehicles to remain their top choice for transportation in the next decade, it’s clear that the personal car isn’t going anywhere soon.
Gen Z’s Practical Approach: EV Adoption Stalled by Infrastructure Gaps and Need for Hands-On Experience
Gen Z might be tech-savvy, but they’re also practical. When it comes to electric vehicles (EVs), they’re driven by real-world benefits like lower fuel and insurance costs rather than grandiose sustainability promises. While 4 in 10 Americans would consider driving an EV, the main barrier isn’t the environmental impact but rather infrastructure anxiety.
A whopping 68% of those surveyed believe the U.S. doesn’t have the infrastructure to support widespread EV adoption—a concern that hits home for a generation raised on instant access and convenience.
“EV infrastructure looks vastly different across the U.S., and the reality is that current charging infrastructure in most regions does not meet the needs of drivers, with regard to availability, efficiency, reliability, and convenience,” said Withington. This practical outlook reflects how Gen Z approaches life—they’re looking for solutions that actually work, not just ideas that look good on paper.
This ties directly into why electric vehicles aren’t flying off the lots as fast as some might have expected. The reality is that it’s not enough to simply have electric vehicles available—people need to experience them.
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Hands-On EV Experiences Convert Skeptics, But Gen Z Still Clings to Control Over Autonomous Tech
One of the biggest barriers to EV adoption is the lack of firsthand experiences. Consumers are hesitant to make the switch to electric because they haven’t had the opportunity to drive an EV and see the benefits firsthand. The reluctance lies in comfort, familiarity, and the assurance that this new technology fits into their lives seamlessly.
It’s why events like Electrify Expo are so crucial—they provide the hands-on experiences that turn skeptics into believers. These events allow potential buyers, especially those from younger generations like Gen Z, to feel the power, smoothness, and tech-forward features of EVs, dispelling any doubts they might have about making the switch.
Similarly, while autonomous vehicles (AVs) are generating a lot of excitement, Gen Z isn’t ready to give up control just yet. Despite the appeal of AVs making travel easier for those who can’t or prefer not to drive, 72% of survey respondents still want to be behind the wheel. This highlights a core trait of Gen Z—they value control and independence, whether it’s managing their social media or making important life choices.
Moving Beyond the Stereotypes: Gen Z is Taking Charge
So, what does this all mean for the future of mobility? First, let’s drop the outdated idea that Gen Z is passive or disengaged. In reality, they’re actively shaping the future, prioritizing practicality, and embracing technology in their own way. This generation is ready to change how we see cars, mobility, and independence.
The narrative that Gen Z is detached from driving simply doesn’t hold up against the data. As Gen Z and Millennials continue to drive more, the industry needs to listen to their concerns—whether it’s about the feasibility of EV infrastructure, the need for hands-on experiences, or the desire for control in an increasingly autonomous world. These are not just the drivers of tomorrow; they’re the drivers of today, ready to take the wheel and steer the conversation.
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The key to connecting with Gen Z lies in understanding their unique perspective. They value independence, practicality, and control—traits that aren’t going out of style anytime soon. As Withington wisely notes, “Whether people prefer to ‘share’ a car for occasional trips to the office, or they want to maximize their travel time by vanpooling with coworkers, there are a wide range of mobility solutions available to get them where they need to go.”
The future of mobility is not about forcing everyone into the same mold. It’s about providing options that fit the unique needs of today’s drivers.
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IMAGES: ELECTRIFY EXPO
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