PORTLAND, Ore., – New research from AAA finds that 18% 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 auto purchase. This is down from 23% last year. But nearly a third say they’re likely to buy a hybrid.
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. The main reasons continue to be the higher cost of EVs compared to traditional vehicles, lack of convenient charging options, and range anxiety. Three in 10 mention the inability to install a charging station at home.
“Early adopters who wanted EVs already have them. Others are concerned about cost, charging options, and the ownership experience. Until infrastructure catches up, many would-be EV drivers are reluctant to make the switch,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “At AAA, we’re working to fill the gap by offering Level 2 or Level 3 charging at many of our locations across our territory. With more charging opportunities, attitudes towards EVs could change quickly.”
Accessible, reliable, affordable, and convenient charging is key to growing EV interest and adoption. For people who live in an apartment or condo, at-home charging options are often not possible. An EV might be a great choice for households with two or more cars, but it might not fit consumers who have to rely on their car for everyday use and travel.
The AAA survey finds that one in three U.S. adults (31%) say they would be “very likely” or “likely” to buy a hybrid. Access to a hybrid vehicle lessens the anxiety for consumers because it allows people to enjoy the benefits of electrification without feeling like they are disrupting their current lifestyle or travel plans.
“Hybrids and plug-in hybrids are viewed by many consumers as a way to bridge the gap between traditional vehicles and EVs. Hybrid drivers can still get many benefits of electrification,” says Dodds.
Consumers likely to buy a hybrid vehicle but not a fully electric vehicle most commonly point to range anxiety and charging availability as less of an issue with hybrids. Lower cost of ownership and maintenance is also commonly cited as a reason for interest in hybrids over fully electric vehicles. However, in AAA’s Your Driving Costs study last year, EVs ranked least expensive for maintenance, repair and tire costs, fuel and licenses, registration, and taxes, with hybrids being the second least expensive for fuel and maintenance costs. Both EVs and hybrids are highest for depreciation, which is a major contributing factor to the overall cost of vehicle ownership.
Lower fuel costs and being more environmentally friendly are the top reasons why consumers say they’d purchase an EV, according to the AAA survey:
The higher purchase price of EVs compared to gas- and diesel-powered engines, access to charging and range anxiety are the top three reasons why consumers choose not to buy an EV:
The top reasons consumers are interested in hybrids are they’re more suitable for long distance travel and drivers are not as dependent on finding public places to charge:
EV Costs and Rebates
Electric vehicles cost more than vehicles with internal combustion engines, but the gap is shrinking. The average price of an electric vehicle in April 2024 was $55,242 compared to an average price of $44,989 for a conventional vehicle, according to Kelley Blue Book.
Some EV buyers may qualify for a federal and/or state rebate.
Electric vehicles purchased brand new in 2023 or after may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500, according to the Internal Revenue Service Code Section 30D. However, the amount available to qualify for each consumer is based on:
- Income
- Vehicle MSRP
- New critical mineral sourcing requirements
- Vehicle battery component manufacturing location
- Consumers can claim the tax credit by filing an 8936 form or transferring the credit to a registered dealer in exchange for a financial benefit (e.g., reduced final cost) equal to the amount of the credit. More information about the tax credit for new vehicles can be found here.
Additionally, the IRS notes that consumers who purchased a new electric vehicle between 2010 and 2022 may also be eligible for a clean vehicle tax credit of up to $7,500 under Internal Revenue Code Section 30D. Details are available here.
The credit equals:
- $2,917 for a vehicle with a battery capacity of at least 5 kilowatt hours (kWh)
- Plus $417 for each kWh of capacity over 5 kWh
- Qualified makes and models can be found here.
The IRS also provides guidance that if you buy a qualified used electric vehicle (EV) or fuel cell vehicle (FCV) from a licensed dealer for $25,000 or less, you may be eligible for a used clean vehicle tax credit. The credit equals 30% of the sale price up to a maximum credit of $4,000. More details on the used EV tax credit can be found here. On the state level, at least 47 states and D.C. offer incentives to support the deployment of EVs or alternative fuel vehicles and supporting infrastructure, either through state legislation or private utility incentives within the state. Legislative incentives include measures that provide high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane exemptions, financial incentives for purchasing electric vehicles or electric vehicle supply equipment, vehicle inspections or emissions test exemptions, parking incentives, and utility rate reductions. For more information on state incentives, click here.
Oregon is one of 45 states and DC that provide an incentive to buy certain BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) and/or PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles). Oregon’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program provides rebates up to $2,500 for purchasing or leasing new EVs or PHEVs. However the program has a waiting list.
AAA offers many resources for drivers of EVs and PHEVs:
AAA Oregon/Idaho has installed EV chargers at nine of its Service Centers in Oregon and Idaho. ChargePoint Level 2 charging spots provide half-price charging for AAA members’ electric vehicles. We have added Level 3 charging stations in Medford and will be adding more soon. The charging spots are accessible to all EV drivers through the ChargePoint app. Find the ChargePoint EV charging spots at the following AAA Service centers: Portland, Beaverton, Lake Oswego, Clackamas, Salem, Eugene, Medford, Bend, and Boise. Find the locations of each Service Center and more details about our EV charging services at AAA.com/charge.
AAA also offers mobile EV charging in the Portland and Boise areas. AAA’s roadside EV charging will provide up to a 30-minute Level 2 charge using the Blink IQ-200-M mobile charging unit with the standard J1772 plug for 10 or more miles of charge to your EV so that you can get home or to a charging station. Tesla vehicles can also be charged with a Tesla J1772 adapter. The mobile electric vehicle charging truck is very similar to AAA’s other light services vehicles. The truck is equipped to allow AAA’s technicians to provide traditional AAA Roadside Assistance capabilities to all motorists, such as battery testing and replacements, jump starts, tire changes and fuel delivery.
AAA has many other resources for those who want to learn more about EVs, hybrids and plug-in hybrids:
- EV 101: An online resource for anyone interested in getting a new or used electric vehicle.
- The “CARBs” of Driving an EV: AAA research from the perspective of first-time EV drivers
- Your Driving Cost Calculator: An online resource available to consumers that gives an annual breakdown of EV ownership costs.
- Mobile EV Charging Pilot: In a growing number of cities, including Portland and Boise, AAA is piloting mobile EV charging for electric vehicles at the roadside. Broader deployment is expected over time
- AAA Car Guide: For those in the market for “newer” used EVs, the Car Guide, which rates the newest vehicle technology, contains links to the two prior editions in 2022 and 2023
- AAA TourBooks: Our digital travel books list hotels with EV charging stations, and the AAA Mobile app identifies chargers in the immediate vicinity
- Reviews of electric vehicles: AAA’s Marie Dodds reviews new EVs, plug-in hybrids and hybrids.
“And of course, AAA offers roadside assistance for drivers of electric vehicles, just as we do for our members with traditional vehicles. As with gas-powered vehicles, AAA finds that the top roadside assistance calls for EV drivers include issues with tires, needing a tow, or getting locked out, but rarely for running out of charge,” says Dodds.
As of February 2024, Oregon had 89,470 registered ZEVs. As of November 2023, Oregon had 2,960 chargers in 1182 locations. Find out more at https://goelectric.oregon.gov/ and https://www.oregon.gov/energy/Data-and-Reports/Pages/Oregon-Electric-Vehicle-Dashboard.aspx
Survey Methodology
The survey was conducted April 4-8, 2024, 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 1,152 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 64 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, 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 900,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services, and is an affiliate of AAA National, serving more than 64 million motorists in North America.