AAA finds interest in going green remains steady but consumers still slow to adopt
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NEWS RELEASE CONTACT: Stephanie Milani, Tennessee Public Affairs Director, Megan Cooper, Tennessee Public Affairs Specialist,
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WHY AREN’T AMERICANS PLUGGING INTO ELECTRIC VEHICLES?
AAA finds interest in going green remains steady but consumers still slow to adopt
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 5, 2019) — AAA’s latest survey reveals that despite many Americans having interest in electric vehicles, Americans may not have a solid understanding of electric vehicle performance. Lack of knowledge and experience may be contributing to the slow adoption of electric vehicles despite Americans’ desire to go green. However, previous objections to buying electric continue to ease and have trended downward significantly.
“If you’re considering going electric for your next vehicle, you’re not alone,” said Stephanie Milani, AAA—The Auto Club Group, Tennessee public affairs director. “Today, more than 200,000 electric cars can be found on roads and 40 million Americans say they would be likely to consider an electric vehicle for their next car purchase with Millennials leading the pack.”
What Motivates Americans to Purchase EV?
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AAA found that 40 million Americans say they would be likely to consider an electric vehicle for their next car purchase.
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Millennials and Generation X are more likely to consider buying an electric vehicle than Baby Boomers.
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Concern for the environment and lower long-term costs remain the leading reasons to go green (74 percent and 56 percent respectively).
What Prevents Americans from Purchasing EV?
AAA’s annual survey that tracks opinions regarding electric and hybrid vehicles found that while consumer interest remains steady, Americans may not have a solid understanding of electric vehicle performance, which may be giving consumers pause when it comes to considering electric for their next purchase. For instance, electric vehicles, unlike those running on gas, do better in stop and go traffic because the car can recapture energy to charge the battery when decelerating. However, AAA’s survey found that a majority of Americans (59 percent) were unsure of whether electric vehicles have better range when driving at highways speeds or in stop and go traffic.
However, previous objections to buying electric with regards to price and range anxiety continue to ease and have trended downward significantly:
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Concern that there are not enough places to charge – down 11 percent from 2017
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Concern about running out of charge when driving – down 11 percent from 2017
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Higher cost of battery repair or replacement – down 8 percent from 2017
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Higher purchase price – down 6 percent from 2017
Green Car Guide for Consumers
Each year AAA (Automobile Club of Southern California Automotive Research Center) produces its Green Car Guide, which rates electric vehicles as well as hybrids and highly fuel efficient cars based on criteria such as ride quality, safety and performance. This comprehensive guide can serve as a resource to consumers since it not only provides detailed reviews of each car tested, but also offers robust information on green vehicles. Consumers who are on the fence will find that this guide can be a valuable resource for learning more about electric and other environmentally friendly vehicles.
“Consumers may not realize it, but they have many options when it comes to shopping for an electric vehicle,” said Megan McKernan, manager of Automotive Research Center. “The Green Car Guide can help first-time and even return buyers navigate the marketplace and dispel any misconceptions they may have about these types of vehicles.”
In 2019, the following vehicles earned AAA’s Top Green Car award:
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Category |
Vehicle |
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Overall |
2019 Jaguar I-Pace EV400 HSE |
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Subcompact Car |
2019 Chevy Bolt Premier |
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Compact Car |
2018 Nissan Leaf SL |
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Midsize Car |
2018 Tesla Model 3 RWD |
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Large Car |
2018 Tesla Model S P100D |
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Pickup |
2018 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercrew |
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SUV/Minivan |
2019 Jaguar I-Pace EV400 HSE |
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Best Under $30K |
2019 Toyota Camry SE |
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Best $30K - $50K |
2018 Nissan Leaf SL |
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Best Over $50K |
2019 Jaguar I-Pace EV400 HSE |
Winners, detailed evaluation criteria, vehicle reviews and an in-depth analysis of the green vehicle industry can be found at AAA.com/greencar.
Methodology
A telephone omnibus survey was conducted April 4-7, 2019. A total of 1,000 interviews were completed among adults, 18 years of age or older.
A dual-frame approach was used that combined land-line and cell phone interviews to ensure that adults who only or primarily communicate via cell phones are included and properly represented. Survey responses are weighted by six variables (age, gender, geographic region, race/ethnicity, education, and landline vs. cell phone only) to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the total continental US population, 18 years of age and older.
The margin of error for the study is 3.8% at the 95% confidence level. Smaller subgroups will have larger error margins.
About AAA
AAA provides more than 59 million members with automotive, travel, insurance and financial services through its federation of 34 motor clubs and nearly 1,100 branch offices 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.
About The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America. ACG and its affiliates provide membership, insurance, financial services and travel offerings to over 9.8 million members across eleven states and two U.S. territories including Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; most of Illinois and Minnesota; and a portion of Indiana. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 59 million members in the United States and Canada and whose mission includes protecting and advancing freedom of mobility and improving traffic safety. Motorists can map a route, identify gas prices, find discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile. Visit AAA on the Internet at AAA.com.