Electric Car Hype Fizzles: Fresh 2025 Polls Expose Why Americans Are Hitting the Brakes on EVs
Latest AAA and Gallup polls paint a sobering picture as U.S. enthusiasm for EVs drops sharply—discover the real roadblocks and what comes next.
- 16% of U.S. adults likely to buy an EV as their next car (down from 25% in 2022)
- 63% now unlikely to consider an electric vehicle
- Only 23% expect most cars to be EVs by 2035 (down from 40% in 2022)
- +15% Year-over-year EV sales growth—slowing sharply
Buckle up—America’s love affair with electric vehicles seems to be stalling out. Two major polls, conducted almost simultaneously, deliver the same jarring truth: fewer Americans than ever are powering up for an electric future.
U.S. consumers’ appetite for electric vehicles (EVs) has sputtered to its lowest level since 2019. According to a new AAA survey, only 16% of adults are likely to choose an EV as their next car. That’s a steady slide from 18% last year, and a dramatic fall from 25% in 2022.
Meanwhile, a Gallup poll mirrors these findings, showing just 51% of Americans are even open to the idea of an EV—an 8% drop in two years. The percentage saying “no way” to EVs has jumped from just over half to nearly two-thirds. Why, after hundreds of flashy new models, are so many drivers not interested? Here’s what you need to know.
Q: What’s Fueling American EV Skepticism?
Multiple factors are causing Americans to pump the brakes:
– Battery repair and replacement costs scare off potential buyers.
– Hefty EV sticker prices put electrics out of reach for average families.
– Range anxiety—the fear of running out of charge—remains a big worry.
– Public charging infrastructure is still patchy, leaving road-trippers uneasy.
– Concerns about suitability for long-distance travel persist.
The upshot: Many consumers feel the EV dream doesn’t yet fit everyday realities.
Q: Despite Concerns, Are EV Sales Still Rising?
Yes, but the momentum is fading.
EV sales hit more than 365,000 units in the last quarter of 2024, up from 317,000 a year earlier. But this annual growth rate has slowed sharply. The U.S. market is now lagging behind the explosive “S-curve” typically seen with disruptive new tech.
Notably, Tesla’s U.S. sales have taken a nose-dive amid controversial leadership moves. Yet, even before political turbulence, experts traced the EV cool-down to practical, not just partisan concerns.
For more on global automaker trends, check out Tesla and see U.S. policy updates at the Department of Energy.
Q: Who’s Still Charged Up About Going Electric?
Interest in EVs has slipped among most groups—including young consumers and Democrats. Even the most enthusiastic Americans are now more cautious.
Hybrids, not full EVs, are getting a warmer reception, especially from Republican buyers. Fifty-five percent of Republicans would consider a hybrid, while just 31% would consider a fully electric ride.
On the bright side, industry experts note that half the market is at least “open” to EVs. With only 10% of new car sales being electric, there’s ample room for future growth if big roadblocks can be cleared.
How to Decide If an EV Is Right for You in 2025
– Do the Math: Consider not just purchase price, but lower fuel and maintenance costs. AAA’s recent analysis found EVs often win out in daily running expenses.
– Check Your Charging Options: Is there easy access to home or public chargers near you? Sites like PlugShare can help.
– Understand Your Commute: If you rarely take long trips, a shorter-range EV could work.
– Watch Policy News: Upcoming tax credits and tariffs could rapidly change the economics.
For more on clean energy technology, view resources at EPA and top automotive reviews at Edmunds.
Q: What Does the Future Hold for Electric Cars in America?
Americans are no longer convinced that most cars will go electric by 2035. In 2022, 40% predicted a near-total switch—now, just 23% believe it.
With new tariffs, uncertain tax breaks, and political crosswinds, automakers and policymakers both face an uphill road.
Still, the core advantages—lower running costs, environmental benefits, and advancing battery tech—mean the story’s far from over. Half of U.S. car shoppers remain interested, and innovation continues at breakneck speed.
Ready to Choose Your Next Ride? Here’s a Checklist for Smart Car Buyers in 2025:
- Compare upfront and lifetime vehicle costs
- Assess home and public charging availability
- Calculate real-world driving range needs
- Check for state and federal incentives
- Test-drive both hybrids and full EVs
- Stay updated on new EV models and tech improvements
The road ahead is shifting—now’s the time to do your research and plot your path to the future of driving.
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