AAA survey: 63% of US adults say it’s ‘very unlikely’ next vehicle purchase is electric

The 2024 AAA annual consumer survey on electric vehicles shows declining consumer interest compared to last year.

Only 18% of U.S. adults say they would be “very likely” or “likely” to buy a new or used EV (not a hybrid). That’s down from 23% last year. Also, 63% said they are “unlikely or very unlikely” to choose an EV for their next car purchase.

AAA provides roadside assistance, discounts, and financial and insurance services to over 64 million members across North America.

“Early adopters who wanted an EV already have one,” AAA Director of Automotive Research Greg Brannon said in a statement. “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.”

Consumers’ main barriers to buying EVs are cost (60%), inconvenient charging options (54%) and range anxiety (53%).

About 30% of respondents said they couldn’t install a charging station where they live. Other consumers (57%) said electric vehicle battery repair is costly.

The survey also found that one in three U.S. adults (31%) say they would be “very likely” or “likely” to buy a hybrid, which comes with less range anxiety.

“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,” AAA’s Brannon said. “Consumer demand will ultimately dictate the future, and my prediction is that we will have a mix of EVs, hybrids and internal combustion vehicles in dealerships and on the roads in the U.S. for many decades ahead.”

Michigan consumers are also hesitant to buy EVs. The state is 2.3% toward its 2030 EV registration goal of 2 million, with 46,792 vehicles registered statewide.

The U.S. Department of Energy says the Wolverine State has 1,533 stations with 3,577 charging ports. Michigan aims to build 100,000 charging stations by 2030.

The survey was conducted from April 4-8, 2024. Most surveys were completed online while others were conducted over the phone.

A total of 1,152 interviews were completed among U.S. adults, ages 18 years or older. The margin of error for the study overall is plus or minus 4% at the 95% confidence level.