A recent AAA survey reveals a startling drop in U.S. consumer interest in electric vehicles (EVs), with only 16% of Americans saying they are “likely” or “very likely” to choose an EV for their next car — the lowest figure recorded since 2019. This marks a significant decline from the 25% interest recorded just six years ago and signals potential trouble for the EV industry’s growth trajectory.

Even more telling: 63% of Americans now say it’s unlikely or very unlikely that their next vehicle will be electric, a sharp increase from 51% in 2022. With EV adoption seen as a key strategy in the transition away from fossil fuels, this downward trend raises serious concerns for automakers, environmental advocates, and policymakers alike.

Why Are Americans Turning Away from EVs?

Several factors appear to be fueling the public’s declining enthusiasm for EVs:

• Affordability and Running Costs: Ironically, the top reason Americans are still interested in EVs remains saving money on gas, cited by 74% of survey respondents. However, this benefit seems to be outweighed by upfront costs, uncertain resale values, and doubts about charging infrastructure.
• Environmental Concerns: While 59% of respondents who favor EVs point to environmental reasons, climate consciousness appears to be taking a backseat for many consumers amid inflationary pressures and political fatigue.
• Technology Appeal Fades: Only 22% of Americans say their interest in EVs is driven by their cutting-edge technology — once a major selling point. Consumer excitement around innovation appears to be waning, or at least shifting to other categories such as AI or smartphones.
• Legislative Influence is Weak: Just 10% believe gas-powered vehicles will be banned in their state, indicating that regulation is not yet a strong motivator in the car-buying decision for most Americans.

Elon Musk and Tesla: A Brand Fallout?

Another significant — and perhaps underreported — contributor to the EV decline may be the shifting public perception of Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk. Once hailed as a visionary, Musk’s increasingly political and controversial behavior has alienated key demographics.

In 2025 alone:

• Tesla reported a 13% drop in vehicle sales and a 71% drop in profits.
• Musk’s alignment with the far-right, including his leadership role in President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has drawn criticism.
• His public appearance at CPAC with Argentine President Javier Milei, wielding a chainsaw on stage, became a viral moment — for all the wrong reasons.
• Perhaps most damaging, Musk was caught giving two Nazi-style salutes at a rally during Trump’s inauguration. Though he denied the implications, the backlash was swift, particularly from the upper-middle-class liberal audience that once formed Tesla’s core customer base.

Tesla’s image, once synonymous with innovation and climate-consciousness, has now become divisive. And that might be dragging down the entire EV sector.

What’s Next for the EV Industry?

Despite the downturn, the story of EVs in America isn’t over. Here are some potential developments to watch:

• Rise of Hybrid Alternatives: As pure EV interest wanes, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles are seeing stable or growing demand. They offer a bridge solution for drivers not ready to fully commit to electric.
• Opportunities for Competitors: If Tesla falters, legacy automakers like Ford, GM, Toyota, and Hyundai — or newer players like Rivian and Lucid — may step in to fill the demand gap with better brand positioning and consumer trust.
• Policy and Infrastructure Could Turn the Tide: Expanded charging networks, financial incentives, and stricter emissions regulations could all help revive public interest in EVs.
• Cultural Reset Needed: For Tesla and other EV brands to win back hesitant buyers, they may need more than great cars — they’ll need a reputation overhaul, and in Tesla’s case, a CEO who doesn’t alienate the very customers they need.

Also read: The Future of Automotive Technology with Connected Cars

Signals from the Market

The recent AAA survey paints a sobering picture for the U.S. EV market in 2025. With American interest in electric vehicles at its lowest since 2019, the industry stands at a crossroads. Whether this slump is temporary or long-term depends on how quickly automakers, influencers, and policymakers can realign incentives, rebuild trust, and reignite consumer enthusiasm.

Until then, the road to electrification may be slower — and bumpier — than anyone expected.