Media release from AAA – The Auto Club Group:
Despite the increasing availability of electric vehicle (EV) models—over 75 options introduced in the past four years—AAA’s latest survey highlights persistent consumer hesitation.
According to the survey:
- Only 16% of U.S. adults report being “very likely” or “likely” to purchase a fully electric vehicle (EV) as their next car, the lowest percentage recorded of EV interest since 2019.
- The number of consumers who say they are “unlikely” or “very unlikely” to buy an EV rose from 51% to 63%, the highest level since 2022.
“Interest in fully electric vehicles has fluctuated over time,” said Montrae Waiters, AAA-The Auto Club Group spokeswoman. “While the auto industry remains committed to long-term electrification and expanding model diversity, consumer hesitation continues to be a factor.”
Key Barriers to EV Adoption
AAA’s survey reveals the top concerns preventing consumers from going fully electric:
- High battery repair costs (62%) and purchase price (59%) remain major deterrents.
- Range anxiety (55%), and lack of convenient charging stations (56%), discourage long-distance travel.
- Safety concerns (31%), home charging installation challenges (27%), and uncertainty about tax credits (12%) also contribute to consumer reluctance.
AAA’s 2024 Your Driving Cost analysis found that EVs have the second-highest total ownership costs due to depreciation, purchase prices, and finance charges.
Why Consumers are Interested in EVs
In 2022, soaring gas prices prompted many Americans to explore electric vehicles (EVs), with 77% citing fuel savings as their top motivation. While national gas prices now range between $3.00 – $3.50 per gallon, interest in EVs remains tied to economic and environmental concerns.
Respondents continue to cite gas savings, sustainability, and lower maintenance costs as the primary reasons for considering an electric vehicle (EV). AAA’s analysis revealed that EVs have the lowest fuel and maintenance costs among all vehicle types, based on a national electricity price of 15.9 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh).
Future of EVs
Public perception about the future of EVs has shifted. The percentage of U.S. drivers who believe most cars will be electric within the next decade has fallen from 40% in 2022 to 23% this year. Interest in electric vehicles (EVs) for tax credits and rebates has also declined, from 60% last year to 39% this year.
AAA’s Recommendations
For hesitant consumers, hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicles may provide a smoother transition. These models ease range anxiety by combining the enjoyment of electric driving with the familiarity of gas-powered vehicles.
AAA will continue to research electric vehicle (EV) adoption and address consumer concerns through surveys and insights for all vehicle types.
AAA EV Resources
- AAA Car Guide: Reviews and rankings for new EV models.
- Your Driving Cost Calculator: A tool to estimate yearly EV ownership costs.
- The “CARBs” of Driving an EV: An acronym for 1st-time EV Drivers that captures their Point of View (POV) and offers EV-based driving tips.
- EV Research: AAA consumer sentiment studies and EV functionality reports.
- #AdultingwithAAA: Electric Vehicles—Low Maintenance—No Problem: a AAA series for young adults provides helpful tips and insights for first-time EV owners.
Methodology
The survey was conducted from March 6 to 10, 2025, using a probability-based panel designed to be representative of the U.S. household population as a whole. The panel provides sample coverage of approximately 97% of the U.S. household population. Most surveys were completed online; consumers without Internet access were surveyed over the phone.
A total of 1,128 interviews were conducted among U.S. adults aged 18 years or older. The overall margin of error for the study is +/- 4% at a 95% confidence level. Smaller subgroups have larger error margins.