AAA Survey Shows Decreasing Interest in Electric Vehicles Amid Rising Concerns

A recent AAA survey indicates a drop in consumer interest in electric vehicles, with only 18% likely to buy an EV and 63% unlikely.

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is hitting multiple roadblocks, as highlighted by a new survey showing declining consumer interest. According to AAA, only 18% of respondents are «very likely» or «likely» to purchase a new or used EV, a 5% decrease from the previous year. More concerning for automakers, 63% of respondents are «unlikely or very unlikely» to choose an EV for their next vehicle, a 10% increase over the past year.

This trend suggests a solidifying negative perception of EVs among consumers. The number of undecided respondents, those «neither likely nor unlikely» to buy an EV, also dropped from 24% in 2023 to 19% this year, indicating that more consumers have made up their minds against Evs.

The primary reasons for this hesitation include cost, range anxiety, and insufficient charging infrastructure. Additionally, 30% of people cited the inability to install a charging station at their residence, a significant issue for apartment dwellers.

Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of automotive research, explained, «Early adopters who wanted an EV already have one. The remaining group of people who have yet to adopt EVs consider the practicality, cost, convenience, and ownership experience, and for some, those are big enough hurdles to keep them from making the jump to fully electric.»

While EV interest wanes, hybrids are gaining favor, with 31% of respondents expressing they are «very likely» or «likely» to purchase a hybrid vehicle. This shift hasn’t gone unnoticed by automakers, many of whom are now emphasizing hybrids and plug-in hybrids as viable options, a significant pivot from their previous focus solely on fully electric vehicles.