There are more than 75 different electric vehicle (EV) models that hit the market over the last 4 years, a recent AAA survey shows that folks are still pretty hesitant about buying one. Only 16% of U.S. drivers surveyed said they're "very likely" or "likely" to go for a fully electric ride as their next car, which is the lowest interest level since 2019. Plus, the number of people who think they’re "unlikely" or "very unlikely" to buy an EV jumped up to 63%; a 12% difference from 2022's 51%. The numbers don't lie: the percentage of "watt worriers" not looking for an EV in their driveways anytime soon continues with steady acceleration.

What is causing the lack of interest? There's quite a few things. And while some are realistic, some are strictly misinformation from lack of education. Greg Bannon, a specialist in the subject and the director of automotive engineering at AAA, shares his thoughts:

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

Graph included in EV study. Source: AAA

Roadblocks on the way to EV popularity

For a lot of people, (more than half surveyed, actually) the high cost to fix a battery and the upfront price tag are big consideration points for purchasing electric. Others worry that EVs aren’t great for long road trips, that charging stations aren’t easy to find, or that they might run out of juice mid-drive. Among those who are still on the fence or probably won’t buy an EV, about 31% say they have safety concerns, 27% struggle with setting up a home charger, and roughly 12% expect the tax credits to disappear.

Range anxiety continues to be a huge concern for people who have considered, but more than likely passed on getting their own EV. Blink Charging went into details on how they're combating these fears in one article, describing the traumatic thoughts of a lengthy road trip but lack of charging spaces, or having to go out of the way or waste time during charging sessions.

In 2022, fuel prices reached $5 according to AAA, prompting many Americans to think hard about an EVMaking charging less stressful. Source: Blink during vehicle shopping as a cost-effective option. In that year’s survey, 77% cited gas prices as their top factor to go electric. Today, the national average for a gallon of gas ranges from $3.00 - $3.50, but ultimately depends on the state.

Data from this year shows people still eye EVs for the same reasons as previous years: less money on gas, lowering carbon emissions, less gouging costs for repairs. EVs maintenance costs continue to be the lowest when compared to every other vehicle category.

Full speed ahead into EVs future

More models, options, and top technologies still aren't enough to drag the plug-in pessimists towards the gas-free, cheaper, electric light. Just 23% of U.S. drivers think most cars will be electric within the next decade—down from 40% in 2022. Even with the worry of the previous mentioned tax savings disappearing, many people have stated the tax credits for EVs are lukewarm at best, and aren't deciding factors for ownership.

[Considering the switch to EV? Read more about electric vehicles on GlobalSpec]

There's hope for battery bashers who want to dip their toes into the EV driver seat. A hybrid vehicle might be the appealing compromise; a gas engine combined with an electric motor gives users peace of mind when it comes to the dreaded Range Anxiety. Long trips are timed at your leisure, but there is still the environmentally friendly factor. Electric mode for grocery pickups and gas mode for the road trips in between. This makes driving electric a little easier for those on the fence. You won't have the huge cost savings like when you'd get fully electric, but you get familiarity; to some people, that is definitely a "driving" factor.