AAA Poll Shows Americans May Be Slow to Adopt Electric Vehicles

Data and reports may show that electric vehicles are becoming more popularity, not that many people are likely to by an EV as their next car—a possible sign that some people may be cooling on the EV buzz that gained traction in recent years.

A poll from AAA shows that charging concerns were cited by consumers as challenges for buying electric vehicles despite the availability of EVs.

Only 16% of U.S. adults report being “very likely” or “likely” to purchase a fully electric vehicle as their next car. That’s the lowest percentage recorded of EV interest since 2019. The percentage of poll takers that said they would be “unlikely” or “very unlikely” to purchase an EV rose from 51% to 63%, the highest since 2022.

High battery repair costs (62%) and purchase price (59%) were other barriers to going fully electric. Other top concerns in this year’s survey were the perceived unsuitability of EVs for long-distance travel (57%), a lack of convenient public charging stations (56%) and fear of running out of charge while driving (55%).

Roughly one-third (31%) of undecided or unlikely to buy polltakers had EV have safety concerns, while 27% reported challenges installing charging stations at their residences, and 12% cited the potential reduction or elimination of tax credits and rebates.

The primary reasons for buying EVs included gas savings, environmental concerns and lower maintenance costs associated with EVs.

The percentage of those who believe that most cars will be electric within the next 10 years also declined, falling from 40% in 2022 to 23% in this year’s poll.

The survey was conducted March 6 through 10 with 1,128 interviews completed among U.S. adults, ages 18 or older.