Support for EVs in America is declining more rapidly than anticipated | Carscoops

      Only 23% of US drivers think that most cars will be electric in the next ten years, a drop from 40% three years ago.

      A recent AAA survey for 2025 reveals that interest in electric vehicles (EVs) in the US has reached its lowest point since 2019. Just 16% of Americans indicate they are likely to purchase an EV, while 63% say they won't.

      The primary concern among respondents is the cost of battery repairs, followed by the high prices associated with purchasing a vehicle.

      Despite electric vehicles gaining media attention and appearing in more driveways annually, a new national survey indicates that the average American is still hesitant to make the switch. The adoption of EVs in the US lags behind many countries, and the latest annual survey from the American Automobile Association (AAA) highlights the factors contributing to this slow progress. Interest in EVs among US drivers is not only stagnant but actually declining.

      In the 2025 AAA survey, only 16% of respondents expressed that they are likely or very likely to buy an EV, which is the lowest percentage since 2019. In contrast, 63% stated they are unlikely or very unlikely to transition to electric. This represents a significant change compared to three years ago when 25% showed interest and 51% opposed the idea.

      Confidence in the timeline for widespread EV adoption is also waning. Currently, only 23% of US drivers believe that most cars will be electric within the next ten years, down from 40% in 2022.

      Reasons for Hesitation Among Americans Regarding EVs

      When asked why they are hesitant to switch to electric vehicles, 62% of respondents pointed to the high cost of battery repairs, while 59% noted the overall purchase price. Long-distance practicality was another major concern, with 57% saying EVs are unsuitable for extended travel, and 56% mentioning the lack of a convenient public charging infrastructure. Additionally, 55% expressed worry about running out of charge during trips.

      Other issues were less commonly mentioned, with 31% citing safety concerns, 27% stating they cannot install a home charging station, and 12% pointing out the potential loss of incentives related to EVs.

      Among those still contemplating an EV, the primary attraction is the potential for fuel savings, mentioned by 77% of interested respondents, while 59% cited environmental advantages. Furthermore, 47% expect lower maintenance and repair costs compared to conventional vehicles.

      Support for both federal and state incentives has also declined. Only 39% of respondents in 2025 viewed tax credits and rebates as a reason to adopt electric vehicles, down from 60% in 2022. This decrease reflects the current political climate, as efforts continue to reduce EV-related subsidies under the Trump administration. Interest in EVs for their advanced technological features has also fallen, with only 22% mentioning innovation as a motivating factor.

      Uncertainty Regarding the Future of Electric Vehicles

      The AAA concludes that public perception about the future of EVs remains ambiguous. Even with a broad range of EVs now available in the US market, many consumers find hybrids more attractive.

      “Since we started monitoring interest in fully electric vehicles, we've observed some fluctuations,” stated Greg Bannon, director of automotive engineering at AAA. “While the automotive industry is committed to long-term electrification and offering a diverse lineup of models, there is still considerable hesitation among consumers.”

      The 2025 survey was conducted from March 6-10, with participation from 1,128 individuals. According to AAA, the respondents reflect a sample that covers approximately 97% of the US household population.