Survey: Americans Still Hesitant to Purchase Electric Vehicles Due to Costs

AAA’s latest survey shows that Americans are still hesitant to purchase an electric vehicle, as shared in a press release.

The survey, conducted March 6-10, found that just 16% of U.S. adults were “very likely” or “likely” to purchase an EV as their next car. It marks the lowest percentage recorded of EV interest since 2019. Additionally, the percentage of consumers indicating they would be “unlikely” or “very unlikely” to purchase an EV rose from 51% to 63%, the highest since 2022.

The top barriers to EV ownership were cited as high battery repair costs (62%) and purchase price (59%). Other factors included long-distance travel (57%), a lack of convenient public charging stations (56%), and range anxiety (55%).

Of those undecided or unlikely to purchase an EV, 31% cited safety concerns. 27% reported challenges installing charging stations at their residences as their reason, with 12% saying the potential reduction or elimination of tax credits and rebates were a deterrent.

Those who are likely to purchase an EV continue to have the same reasons of gas savings, environmental concerns, and the lower maintenance costs associated with EVs.

Consumer outlook for EVs has tumbled, with the percentage of U.S. drivers
who believe that most cars will be electric within the next ten years dropping from 40% in 2022 to 23% this year. 

“Since we began tracking interest in fully electric vehicles, we’ve seen some variability,” said Greg Brannon, AAA director of automotive engineering. “While the automotive industry is committed to long-term electrification and providing a diverse range of models, underlying consumer hesitation remains.”