But Oregon remains a leader in EV adoption
PORTLAND, Ore., – New research from AAA finds that 16% of Americans say they would be likely or very likely to buy an electric vehicle (powered exclusively by electricity, not a hybrid or plug-in hybrid) for their next car. This is down from 18% in last year’s survey.
Those who are interested in buying an EV say saving on gasoline (74%), environmental concerns (59%), and the lower maintenance costs associated with electric vehicles (47%) are the primary drivers. Other reasons consumers choose EVs include taking advantage of tax credits and rebates (39%), cutting edge technology (22%), and the expectation that their state will eventually ban gas-powered vehicles (10%).
Oregon continues to be a leader in EV adoption. Oregon reached 100,000 registered EVs last November, making it a top five state for EV adoption per capita.
AAA Oregon/Idaho has expanded its services for drivers of EVs, including the installation of DC Fast Charging at many of its Service Centers in Oregon and Idaho. DC fast charging is currently available at the Boise, Clackamas, Eugene, Lake Oswego, Medford Fleet, Salem and Springfield/Gateway AAA Service Centers. DC fast charging will be available soon at the Beaverton and Bend AAA Service Centers. Level 2 charging is also available at the Beaverton, Bend, Boise, Clackamas, Eugene, Lake Oswego, Medford, Portland, and Salem AAA Service Centers. Find more information at AAA.com/charge.
Reasons consumers aren’t interested in EVs
In AAA’s latest surveys about consumer attitudes towards electric vehicles, 63% say they’re “unlikely or very unlikely” to purchase an EV for their next car purchase. This is the same as last year.
The main reasons continue to be the high battery repair costs (62%) and the higher purchase price compared to traditional vehicles (59%). Other concerns identified in this year’s survey are the perceived unsuitability of EVs for long-distance travel (57%), a lack of convenient public charging stations (56%), range anxiety – the fear of running out of charge while driving (55%), and safety concerns about electric vehicles (31%). Other issues are challenges installing charging stations where they live (27%), and the potential reduction or elimination of tax credits and rebates (12%).
“Perceptions of EVs can vary widely by area. Drivers in states like Oregon where electric vehicles are popular often find EVs to be an attractive alternative and the appeal is fueled by an interest in saving on gas, environmental reasons, and lower maintenance costs. EVs can be a good choice for many households, especially if consumers have more than one vehicle and/or don’t have to drive long distances each day,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.
Media assets:
AAA b-roll video of an EV using DC fast charging at the AAA Clackamas Service Center:
Gas prices and EVs
Gas prices also play a role in the popularity of EVs. In 2022, gas prices reached record highs. The national average peaked at nearly $5.02 and the Oregon average at $5.55. In that year’s AAA survey, 25% said they’d be likely or very likely to buy an electric vehicle, and 77% cited gas savings as their top motivation to purchase. This year, gas prices are significantly less than 2022, with the national average currently at $3.14 and the Oregon average at $3.99 (as of June 3, 2025). Find current gas prices and average EV charging costs at https://gasprices.aaa.com/
Future of EVs
Despite advancements in the EV industry and the growing availability of models, public perception regarding the future of EVs remains uncertain. The percentage of U.S. drivers who believe that most cars will be electric within the next ten years has significantly declined from 40% in 2022 to 23% this year. Interest in EVs to take advantage of tax credits and rebates has decreased, dropping from 60% of those saying last year they are likely to buy an EV to 39% this year.
Hybrids/plug-in hybrids
Many consumers may find hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicles more appealing. These vehicles combine the advantages of traditional internal combustion engines with electric power, reducing range anxiety while providing an environmentally friendly alternative. This combination meets today’s diverse needs and preferences for drivers, allowing them to enjoy electric driving without losing the familiarity of conventional gas-powered vehicles.
AAA will continue to monitor the evolving automotive landscape through consumer sentiment surveys and various research efforts to address concerns about EV ownership and provide feedback and insights for all vehicle types.
AAA offers many services and resources for drivers of EVs and PHEVs:
Mobile EV charging: AAA can provide members with mobile charging for EVs that need a boost on the roadside. The AAA service trucks with mobile electric vehicle charging capability provide a Level 2 charge and can typically provide about 10 to 14 miles of range in about 30 minutes so that EV drivers can get home or to a charging station. This service is included in all levels of AAA membership. Portland, Bend, Boise, Eugene and Medford are markets where AAA Oregon/Idaho provides mobile charging for EVs on the roadside.
AAA has many other resources for those who want to learn more about EVs, hybrids and plug-in hybrids:
- Reviews of electric vehicles: AAA’s Marie Dodds reviews new EVs, plug-in hybrids and hybrids.
- AAA Car Guide: For those in the market for newer EVs, the online resources also contain links to the two prior editions in 2022 and 2023.
- Your Driving Cost Calculator: An online resource available to consumers that gives a yearly breakdown of EV ownership costs
- The “CARBs” of Driving an EV: An acronym for 1st-time EV Drivers that captures their Point of View (POV) and offers EV-based driving tips.
- EV Research: AAA in-house experts research consumer sentiment around EVs and their functionality.
- #AdultingwithAAA: Car Care – Electric Vehicles—Low Maintenance—No Problem: AAA series for young adults provides helpful tips, advice, and life hacks on all things “Adulting.”
- AAA Mobile app: find the closest EV charging stations including the level of charge available. You can sort stations by distance from your route, address, and more. Available at the App Store or Google Play.
- AAA TripTik Travel Planner is a free point-to-point directions tool that travelers can use to map their routes. specifically plotting the location of electric vehicle charging or gas stations.
Survey 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
AAA provides more than 65 million members with automotive, travel, insurance, and financial services across North America. Since 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for safe mobility. Drivers can request roadside assistance, identify nearby gas prices and charging stations, locate discounts, book a hotel or map a route via the AAA Mobile app. To join, visit AAA.com.
AAA news releases, high resolution images, broadcast-quality video, fact sheets and podcasts are available on the AAA NewsRoom at NewsRoom.AAA.com.
Find local news releases at https://oregon.aaa.com/community/media/media-contacts.html
For more info go www.AAA.com. AAA Oregon/Idaho provides more than 910,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services, and is an affiliate of AAA National, serving more than 65 million members in North America.