AAA Says Consumers STILL Don't Have A Clue When It Comes To Electic Cars

Automakers are launching more electric cars than ever, but car buyers are still largely ignorant of how those cars work, according to a new AAA survey. And that lack of knowledge may be slowing adoption of electric cars.

"Today, more than 200,000 electric cars can be found on roads across the country as almost every manufacturer sells them," Greg Brannon, AAA director of automotive engineering and industry relations, said in a statement. "But, like other new vehicle technologies, Americans don't have the full story and that could be causing the gap between interest and action."

atc98092 - 5/10/2019 10:45:38 AM

+1 Boost

In my recent experience car shopping PHEV/EV, I would say that the dealers don't have much of a clue either. More than one Honda dealer insisted the federal tax credit was no longer available, which is inaccurate. They don't understand the need to have the battery charged for demo drives. The Clarity is a completely different animal with a charged battery.

vdiv - 5/10/2019 11:33:33 AM

-2 Boost

Add the cost to own and the picture changes radically.

Truthy - 5/11/2019 8:46:04 AM

+1 Boost

Good point, Aspy11.

skytop - 5/10/2019 1:59:04 PM

0 Boost

What's an EV? When I bought my F350 with 12 M.P.G. it came with EV (Extra Value Diesel).

PUGPROUD - 5/10/2019 4:41:52 PM

+1 Boost

The majority of car buyers don't know if their cars are front wheel drive, rear wheel drive or four wheel drive...so why would anyone think they are up to speed on EV's this early in their development?

skytop - 5/10/2019 10:15:39 PM

0 Boost

What ever happened to the WV's. Popular Science magazine always had articles showing 'future' cars that would run on water.

Since a gallon of gas had become almost unaffordable at 23 cents a gallon, the public was keen on a water powered car that would actually utilized hydrogen. (not steam!).

TomM - 5/11/2019 5:39:18 AM

+1 Boost

The lack of infrastructure - and urban areas where buyers cannot have their own for overnight - will continue to plague the EVs - which are really designed for the suburbanite with a garage - and at least 220 Volt power available.

In the NYC area - I would suspect that the number of people who have no way of charging such a car alone would cause problems- probably MOST of the daily drivers have no garage and no nearby charging station. ANd charging stations are not the answer unless they are nearby where you work and you can do a full charge - many do not allow that.

Truthy - 5/11/2019 8:45:03 AM

+1 Boost

Good answer. And don't forget those suburbs should be in a warm climate. Range shortens dramatically in cold weather.