According to AAA’s latest survey, only 16% of U.S. adults report being ‘very likely’ or ‘likely’ to purchase a fully electric vehicle (EV) as their next car, the lowest percentage of EV interest recorded since 2019, said AAA. The percentage of consumers indicating they would be “unlikely” or “very unlikely” to purchase an EV rose from 51% to 63%, the highest since 2022.

Consumers noted that high battery repair costs (62%) and purchase price (59%) are key barriers to going fully electric. AAA said other top concerns 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%).

Thirty-one percent of those undecided or unlikely to buy an EV have safety concerns, 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 cited in this year’s report remain similar to years past, with respondents citing gas savings, environmental concerns and an appreciation for the lower maintenance costs associated with EVs as the top reasons for buying an EV.

However, “Despite advancements in the EV industry and the growing number of models, the percentage of U.S. drivers who believe that most cars will be electric within the next 10 years has significantly declined from 40% in 2022 to 23% this year,” AAA wrote.

Meanwhile, Scandinavian countries have put emphasis on electric vehicles. Norway has been leading the world in electric vehicle (EV) development and charging for years now, with 85% of all new passenger cars sold being pure electric. Circle K opened its first EV charging-only location in Europe with a site in Sweden, following the opening of its largest EV charging location, also in Sweden, with 26 ultra-fast charging points.

Read more about how Norway is a unique case for EV development in The Latest on Norway’s EV Explosion, in the October 2024 issue of NACS Magazine.