AAA in Atlanta has released the results of a new national survey about electric vehicles, which found about a quarter of consumers plan to go electric for their next vehicle purchase.
The survey determined consumers were specifically interested in fully electric vehicles. 77% of those interested in purchasing an EV said they would do so out of a strong desire to save on fuel costs.
However, AAA said many consumers were hesitant to purchase an EV due to various concerns. The top concerns cited by respondents include the following:
- Higher price for the purchase of an electric vehicle - 60% of respondents
- Worries about the number of places to charge - 60% of respondents
- Concerns about running out of charge while driving - 58% of respondents
- Usability for long-distance travel - 55% of respondents
- High cost of battery repair or replacement 55% of respondents
- Inability to install a charging station where they live - 31% of respondents
Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA, said car manufacturers and charging providers are working to minimize some of the concerns listed above. However, she said it could still be worth purchasing an EV in 2022.
"Although electric vehicles may cost more upfront, EVs cost less to charge, maintain and are basically more efficient," Waiters said. "We determined that the cost of charging an EV is two to four times less than fueling a gasoline-powered vehicle."
The AAA study found that those charging an electric vehicle at home spend about 3.5 cents per mile, while those charging at a public charger can expect to spend about seven cents per mile. By comparison, based on the national average fuel price of $4.66 per gallon, gas drivers spend about 15 cents per mile.
Waiters said EVs also do not have spark plugs, need oil changes or air-filter replacements. However, if an EV owner needs to replace the battery in their vehicle after the conclusion of a federally-mandated 100,000-mile vehicle warranty, the owner may have to doll out anywhere from $2,500 to over $10,000.
About one percent of light vehicles currently in operation in the U.S. are electric, but AAA predicted that number will rise in the coming years. They predict 15% of light vehicles will be EVs by 2030, while 50% of light vehicles will be EVs by 2050.
A full look at AAA's survey and more information about electric vehicles can be found here.
