Price and Charging Concerns Cited as Challenges for Buying EVs

DEARBORN, Mich., (June 17, 2025) — Despite the increasing availability of electric vehicle (EV) models—over 75 options introduced in the past four years—AAA‘s latest survey highlights persistent consumer hesitation.

According to the 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 recorded of EV interest since 2019.
• The number of consumers who say they are “unlikely” or “very unlikely” to buy an EV rose from 51% to 63%, the highest level since 2022

“Interest in fully electric vehicles has fluctuated over time,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokeswoman for AAA-The Auto Club Group. “While the auto industry remains committed to long-term electrification and expanding model diversity, consumer hesitation continues to be a factor.”

Key Barriers to EV Adoption

AAA’s survey reveals the top concerns preventing consumers from going fully electric:  

• High battery repair costs (62%) and purchase price (59%) remain major deterrents.
• Range anxiety (55%), and lack of convenient charging stations (56%), discourage long-distance travel.
• Safety concerns (31%), home charging installation challenges (27%), and uncertainty about tax credits (12%) also contribute to consumer reluctance.

AAA‘s 2024 Your Driving Cost analysis found that EVs have the second-highest total ownership costs due to depreciation, purchase prices, and finance charges. 

Why Consumers are Interested in EVs

In 2022, soaring gas prices prompted many Americans to explore EVs, as 77% cited fuel savings as their top motivation. While national gas prices now range between $3.00 – $3.50 per gallon, interest in EVs remains tied to economic and environmental concerns.

Respondents continue to cite gas savings, sustainability, and lower maintenance costs as primary reasons for considering an EV. AAA’s analysis revealed that EVs have the lowest fuel and maintenance costs among all vehicle types, based on a national electricity price of 15.9 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh).

Future of EVs

Public perception about the future of EVs has shifted. The percentage of U.S. drivers who believe most cars will be electric within the next decade has fallen from 40% in 2022 to 23% this year. Interest in EVs for tax credits and rebates has also declined – from 60% last year to 39% this year.

AAA’s Recommendations

For hesitant consumers, hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicles may provide a smoother transition. These models ease range anxiety by combining the enjoyment of electric driving with the familiarity of gas-powered vehicles.

AAA will continue researching EV adoption and addressing consumer concerns through surveys and insights for all vehicle types.

AAA EV Resources

• AAA Car Guide: Reviews and rankings for new EV models.
• Your Driving Cost Calculator: A tool to estimate yearly EV ownership costs.
• The “CARBs” of Driving an EV: An acronym for 1^st-time EV Drivers that captures their Point of View (POV) and offers EV-based driving tips. 
• EV Research: AAA consumer sentiment studies and EV functionality reports.
• #AdultingwithAAA: Electric Vehicles—Low Maintenance—No Problem: a AAA series for young adults provides helpful tips and insights for first-time EV owners.

Methodology​

The survey was conducted March 6-10, 2025, using a probability-based panel designed to be representative of the U.S. household population overall. The panel provides sample coverage of approximately 97% of the U.S. household population. Most surveys were completed online; consumers without Internet access were surveyed over the phone.​

A total of 1,128 interviews were completed among U.S. adults, 18 years of age or older. The margin of error for the study overall is +/- 4% at the 95% confidence level. Smaller subgroups have larger error margins.

About AAA – The Auto Club Group

The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America with more than 13 million members across 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, banking and financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 65 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, get the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on social media.