The AAA wants consumers interested in going electric, whether new or used, to be informed and educated on EV ownership before purchase to ensure a rewarding and confident experience. The motorist advocate cites its survey from last July that revealed, of consumers interested in EVs, 25% would purchase used, with Millennials (32%) the most likely to consider this option.

So the motorist advocate is releasing a new Used EV Buyer’s Guide that includes basic information on EVs (electric vehicles) like ownership costs, details to consider before purchasing, and guidance for those who want an EV but need more affordable options. The AAA Used EV Buyer’s Guide is now available at aaa.com/usedevbuyersguide.

“A used EV could be a viable option for many first-time buyers or multi-car households, as they tend to be more affordable,” said Greg Brannon, AAA’s Director of Automotive Research. “The key is to understand all the options available, as well as individual needs, which can ease some of the anxiety associated with purchasing used.”

The guide’s pre-shopping checklist features a basic background of EVs, driving range and charging, used EV ownership cost comparisons (battery versus gasoline-powered), repair and maintenance costs, and supplemental AAA car buying resources.

Many consumers are attracted to the idea of going electric but worry they will face a steep price tag for a new EV. A used model may be a more feasible option for buyers concerned about cost or those looking to add a second car to their household.

In addition to the newly released guide, AAA has other resources to help buyers navigate the car-buying decision. The 2022 AAA Your Driving Cost analysis revealed that new EVs have the second lowest annual ownership costs behind small sedans, and used EVs are estimated to cost less to own than their gas-powered counterparts. For consumers looking to save significantly on fuel costs, AAA says that EV owners can save $8000 or more over five years in this area.

“Electric vehicles are quickly gaining popularity, and AAA wants to give consumers what they need to make an informed purchase,” said Brannon. “We support an electric future and will continue to do our part with related research and educational resources for the public.”

To help educate the public, AAA conducts ongoing research on EVs, including consumer sentiment surveys, testing to determine factors impacting electric vehicle range, the true cost of electric vehicle ownership, and a survey on consumers’ experience with going electric.

That AAA consumer survey from July revealed that, of those who want to buy electric, the common factor is a strong desire to save on fuel costs, with 77% citing this as a top reason for interest. (That was at a time when gasoline and diesel prices were at record highs.) However, consumer hesitation surrounding range and accessibility to charging continued to draw concerns.

Top objections were higher purchase price (60%), the concern there are not enough places to charge (60%), concern about running out of charge when driving (58%), unsuitable for long-distance travel (55%), high cost of battery repair or replacement (55%), and unable to install a charging station where they live (31%).

Automakers have made great strides to improve range, yet consumer anxiety over it remains a barrier to adoption. AAA finds that consumers have a reasonably accurate understanding of the current EV range. About 60% of Americans think EVs can travel between 100 to 350 mi before running out of charge, which aligns with today’s EV capabilities. These findings suggest the improvement in range alone hasn’t been enough to address consumer range anxiety concerns as previously hoped.

“The deeper issue with range anxiety is that it’s going to take more than just improving how far an electric vehicle can go to convince people to make the switch,” continued Brannon.

From the July survey, AAA believes having a better understanding of the following aspects of EV ownership will help consumers overcome their objections:

  • Performance: EVs are more efficient in stop-and-go traffic because the car can recapture energy from braking to charge the battery when decelerating.
  • Public vs. home charging: A previous AAA survey revealed EV owners do 75% of their charging at home. Most EVs come with a 120-V, Level 1 AC charger that plugs into a standard household electrical outlet. Level 1 charging provides between 2 and 5 mi of range per hour of charging, which is adequate for a typical U.S. driver who averages about 30 mi daily.
  • Accessibility: Often, public charging is less accessible for people living in dense cities or multi-family housing. In those cases, public charging is the only option. The U.S. Department of Energy data now show there are more than 58,000 charging stations throughout the nation. While charging infrastructure has improved, more work will be needed to support greater consumer adoption in the coming years.
  • Integration: According to previous AAA research, most owners of EVs (78%) usually have one or more gasoline-fueled or non-plug-in hybrid vehicles in the household in addition to their EVs. Educating consumers on the benefits of using an EV for shorter commutes while using their gasoline-fueled vehicle for longer trips may go a long way in addressing range anxiety while also highlighting the benefits.
  • Roadside Assistance: AAA, which services members who own EVs, finds that much like gas-powered, the top reasons for roadside assistance for EV owners include issues with tires or needing a tow but rarely for running out of charge.

Simply improving the range of EVs will not be enough to calm consumer anxiety and encourage them to give EVs a chance. With continuous education on EV ownership, coupled with more consumers seeing their neighbors convert, AAA believes the popularity of EVs will grow.

 

Editor’s note: The imagery in this article was used for illustration of the current versions of the top used vehicles in the U.S., according to Motortrend, based on its experiences with them and their relative value as used vehicles. Futurride experts agree.