Interest in electric vehicles down but hybrids on the rise, according to AAA

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A new AAA survey found that interest in hybrid cars is on the rise while fewer people are opting for electric vehicles (EVs).

According to the study, 18% of those polled said they would be “likely” or “very likely” to buy an electric vehicle, compared to 23% surveyed from a year ago.

“Early adopters who wanted an EV already have one,” Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of automotive research, said.

On the flip side, interest in hybrid vehicles is higher, with 31% of those surveyed saying they are “likely” or “very likely” to purchase a hybrid.

“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,” Brannon said.

According to the study, higher purchase prices, lack of infrastructure and maintenance costs are among the many reasons people don’t want to buy an electric vehicle.

“Deciding to make the leap to full electric may feel overwhelming for many consumers, and a hybrid option may be the way to bridge this gap,” Brannon said.

We talked to Valley mechanic Glen Hayward with Good Works Auto Repair about what he sees in his Tempe shop when serving gas-powered, hybrid and electric vehicles.

“My personal preference is to stay in the hybrid range,” Hayward said.

As for what brands he prefers from a mechanic standpoint, Hayward says, “the top two hybrids that are out there is Toyota, any of their hybrids and plug-in hybrids and also Honda has a great plug-in hybrid.”

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