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AAA: 1 in 5 US drivers want an electric vehicle

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Thu, May 10th 2018 07:00 am
AAA reveals its annual top picks for electric, hybrid and fuel-efficient vehicles
American appetite for electric vehicles is heating up. A new AAA survey shows 20 percent, or 50 million Americans, will likely go electric for their next vehicle purchase, up from 15 percent in 2017. With lower-than-average ownership costs, increased driving ranges and the latest advanced safety features, AAA sees a strong future for electric vehicles.
To help "green" car shoppers make an informed choice, AAA conducts independent, rigorous test-track evaluations of plug-in hybrids, hybrid and fuel-efficient, gas-powered vehicles.
"Today, electric vehicles have mainstream appeal," said Greg Brannon, AAA's director of automotive engineering. "While concern for the environment is still a major motivator, AAA found U.S. drivers are also attracted to the lower long-term costs and advanced technology features that many of these vehicles offer."
Perhaps fueling American's desire for electric vehicles, AAA's survey found "range anxiety" is beginning to ease. Among those unsure or unwilling to choose an electric vehicle for their next car, 63 percent (down 9 percent from 2017) cited not enough places to charge as a detractor, while 58 percent (down 15 percent from 2017) expressed concern over running out of charge while driving. Not surprisingly, range anxiety is less of a concern for millennials (48 percent) than Generation X or Baby Boomers (64 percent and 66 percent, respectively).
While range is important to most (87 percent) electric and hybrid vehicle shoppers, it is not the only consideration. Reliability is king with nine-in-10 (92 percent) of those likely to by an electric or hybrid vehicle stating it is important when evaluating which car to buy. Electric and hybrid car shoppers are also prioritizing crash ratings (77 percent), cost (71 percent), acceleration and handling (69 percent), and advanced safety technology such as automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assistance (60 percent). Fewer drivers are concerned with style, color or design of the vehicle (34 percent) or brand of the vehicle (33 percent). Full survey results are available HERE.
To help drivers looking to making the switch or find their next green vehicle, Automobile Club of Southern California's Automotive Research Center conducts extensive and thorough testing of high fuel efficiency, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles each year, and assigns ratings based on criteria important to buyers such as ride quality, safety and performance.
"A first-time buyer may feel overwhelmed or confused by the differences between gas-powered, hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric," said Megan McKernan, manager of Automotive Research Center. "Our evaluations are designed to help drivers select a safe, comfortable and reliable vehicle - not just the most efficient one."
In 2018, the following vehicles earned AAA's Top Green Vehicle award:
Winners, detailed evaluation criteria, vehicle reviews and an in-depth analysis of the green vehicle industry can be found at AAA.com/greencar.
Although Americans may be more eager to buy an electric vehicle, having the right infrastructure will be critical to its widespread adoption. In 2018, the availability of charging stations had grown to more than 16,000 in the U.S. and, although anxiety over range has reduced, AAA's survey found consumer expectation for charging time while on the road may not align with reality. Seven-in-10 (68 percent) Americans feel that, while out driving, a charging time of no more than 30 minutes is a reasonable amount of time to wait.
"Today's drivers are accustomed to a quick fill-up at the corner gas station, but electric vehicle charging can sometimes take several hours," Brannon said. "With a little planning, electric vehicle owners can avoid a roadside inconvenience and, as technology improves, charging times will too."
Drivers can access charging station locations through AAA's mobile app or TripTik Planner. Additional survey data, study methodology, graphics, photos and video can be found at NewsRoom.AAA.com.
As upstate New York's largest member services organization, AAA provides more than 870,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.

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