AAA has found that 40 million Americans have expressed interested in going electric, yet the roads are still mostly filled with gas-powered cars. Why have few people taken the plunge? 

Pre-conceived notions about things like cost, insufficient vehicle range or lack of places to charge have likely kept many Americans on the fence about buying an electric car. 91% electric vehicle owners say they had at least one concern prior to purchasing their car. 

Here are their most common concerns that were eased after being an owner of an electric vehicle:

Enough Charging Stations?
Insufficient range and finding a place to charge was among the most common concern.

• 77% of those originally concerned about insufficient range became less or no longer concerned. 
• 70% of those originally concerned about lack of places to charge became less or no longer concerned.

Owners’ Driving & Charging Habits 

• 43% say they drive more now than when they owned a gas-powered car. On average, electric vehicle owners drive 39 miles per day. 
• 78% have one or more gas-powered cars in the household as well, yet they report doing a majority of their driving (87%) in their electric vehicle. 
• On average, 75% of electric vehicle owners charge at home. 
• 95% have never run out of a charge. 

Expensive to Maintain?
Electric vehicles do not require as much maintenance as gas-powered cars since they do not need oil changes or air-filter replacements. 

• According to the automakers’ recommendations, electric vehicles cost $949 per year, which is $330 less than a gas-powered car. 
• Over five years and 75,000 miles of driving, the cost to own a new compact electric vehicle is $7,704/annually, which is $590 or 8% more per year than a comparable gas-powered car. 
• The electricity required to drive 15,000 miles/year in an electric vehicle costs an average of $546; the amount of gas required to drive the same distance costs $1,255, - 130% more.

Happy New Owners 

• Of those surveyed, 71% say they have not previously owned an electric vehicle. 
• 96% say they would buy or lease one again the next time they are in the market for a new car.

Vehicle ownership, whether electric or gas-powered, is a personal choice that should take many factors into consideration. For consumers who are interested in electric vehicles, AAA recommends visiting a dealership, test driving one and asking as many questions as possible to make an informed decision.

Interested in an electric vehicle? Compare hybrid and electric models with our Green Car Guide.

AAA Green Car Guide