Page 18 - AAA Magazine – AAA Ohio Auto Club – January 2019

1-in-5 U.S. Drivers Want an Electric
Vehicle
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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 that 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 also are attracted to the lower long-term costs and advanced technology features that many of these vehicles offer.”
Perhaps fueling America’s desire for electric vehicles, AAA’s survey found that “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.
While range is important to most (87 percent) electric and hybrid vehicle shoppers, it is not the only consideration. Reliability is king. Electric and hybrid car shoppers also are prioritizing crash ratings, cost, acceleration and handling, and advanced safety technology such as automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assistance.
To help drivers looking to makie the switch or find their next green vehicle, the 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 might feel overwhelmed or confused by the differences between gas-powered, hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric,” said Megan McKernan, manager of the 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:
16 | AAA MAGAZINE
Overall.............................Tesla Model X 75D Subcompact Car...........Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier Compact Car..................Nissan Leaf SL
Midsize Car ....................BMW 530e i-Performance Large Car........................Tesla Model S 75 Pickup..............................Ford F-150 4X4 XLT Sport SUV/Minivan ..................Tesla Model X 75D
Best Under $30K..........Kia Niro LX
Best $30K - $50K.........Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier Best Over $50K ............Tesla Model X 75D
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 might be more eager to buy an electric vehicle, having the right infrastructure will be critical to its widespread adoption.
“Today’s drivers are accustomed to a quick fill up at the corner gas station, but electric vehicle charging can sometimes take several hours,” said Brannon. “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.