AAA survey finds waning interest in electric vehicles

A new survey from AAA finds interest in electric vehicles is waning.

AAA of Michigan spokesperson Adrienne Woodland tells us there may be a near-term ceiling related to consumer adoption of battery electric vehicles, at least for now.

“We found that only about 18% of U.S. adults say they would be very likely or likely to buy a new or used electric vehicle, and that’s actually down from 23% last year,” Woodland said.

In 2022, 25% of consumers said they would buy an electric vehicle. Woodland says there are several reasons why fewer people are looking to buy an EV.

“The folks that really already want an EV, they’ve already purchased one. And the remaining group of people who have yet to adopt an electric vehicle, they look at things like the practicality of it, cost, convenience, and ownership experience.”

However, AAA has found increased interest in hybrids. Woodland says the survey found 31% of U.S. adults say they would be very likely or likely to buy a hybrid. She says this suggests hybrids may bridge the gap between electrics and gas-powered vehicles, adding it’s the consumers who will control the market.