An annual consumer survey by the American Automobile Association shows declining interest in buying all-electric vehicles. Or to put it another way, Triple A’s Lori Weaver Hawkins said there’s been a substantial jump in those surveyed saying “not for my next vehicle.”
“A year ago when we asked that question 53%, or so just slightly over a half, said they just were not likely to go with a fully electric vehicle. Now, that has jumped up to 63%,” said Weaver Hawkins.
Triple A says the main hesitations in purchasing an EV continue to be cost, lack of convenient charging options, and range anxiety. Three in ten also cited the inability to install a charging station where they live. Weaver Hawkins said the survey indicates more people are weighing their options before buying an EV.
Meanwhile the polling found one in three said they would be likely or very likely to buy a hybrid. Two large electric battery plants are being built in Kentucky. Weaver Hawkins said the survey results don’t dimmish the need for lithium-ion batteries.
“Those hybrids need that battery as well as the traditional battery that we have with our gas-powered vehicles because they switch seamlessly back and forth from those,” said Weaver Hawkins.
Weaver Hawkins said Triple-A mechanics anticipate a mix of gas-powered, hybrid, and EVs on Kentucky roads for decades.
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