Study Shows Americans Interested in Buying EVs, Hybrids

One-third of Americans would consider buying a hybrid-electric car, and 15% would consider a full EV for their next vehicle, according to a new AAA survey.

The interest in EVs and hybrids is unchanged from a 2012 study despite a 40% reduction in gasoline prices, AAA notes.

Among age groups, Millennials are the most likely (18%) to consider an EV, while just 10% of Baby Boomers said they were open to such a purchase. The same holds true for hybrids, with 40% of Millennials and 32% of Generation Xers saying they would consider such a vehicle, compared with 22% of Boomers.

Fuel economy was cited by 70% of respondents as a major purchase consideration across all vehicle types. Other motivators for EV intenders include concern for the environment, lower ownership costs, desire for the latest technology and access to car pool lanes.

But AAA found more than half of Americans have range anxiety concerns about being stranded with a depleted battery.

AAA credits Tesla Inc. for helping to broaden the appeal of EVs by demonstrating that they can be "stylish, performance-focused and filled with cutting-edge technology." The insurance and travel organization selected the Tesla Model X 75D as its overall Top Green Vehicle award winner.

AAA’s individual Green Vehicle segment winners are:

• Subcompact Car: Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier
• Compact Car: Volkswagen e-Golf SE
• Midsize Car: Lexus GS 450h F Sport
• Large Car: Tesla Model S 60
• Pickup: Ford F150 XLT Super Crew
• SUV: Tesla Model X 75D