Electric vehicles appear to be losing some juice with consumers, if AAA research is taken at face value.

Counter to research projects recently compiled by Experian and J.D. Power, results from AAA’s latest survey released on Tuesday indicated that only 16% of U.S. adults report being “very likely” or “likely” to purchase a fully electric vehicle (EV) as their next car.

According to a news release from AAA, that’s the lowest percentage recorded of EV interest since 2019.

Furthermore, AAA said the percentage of consumers indicating they would be “unlikely” or “very unlikely” to purchase an EV rose from 51% to 63%, the highest point in AAA’s data since 2022.

“Since we began tracking interest in fully electric vehicles, we’ve seen some variability,” AAA’s Greg Brannon said. “While the automotive industry is committed to long-term electrification and providing a diverse range of models, underlying consumer hesitation remains.”

AAA’s survey showed that high battery repair costs (62%) and purchase price (59%) are cited as key barriers to go fully electric.

Other top concerns identified in this year’s survey were the perceived unsuitability of EVs for long-distance travel (57%), a lack of convenient public charging stations (56%), and fear of running out of charge while driving (55%).

Researchers also mentioned 31% of survey participants who are undecided or unlikely to buy an EV have safety concerns, 27% reported challenges installing charging stations at their residences, and 12% cited the potential reduction or elimination of tax credits and rebates.

According to AAA’s 2024 Your Driving Cost analysis, EVs had the second-highest total ownership costs due to depreciation, purchase prices, and finance charges.

In 2022, AAA pointed out that gas prices reached $5, prompting many Americans to consider transitioning to electric vehicles as a cost-effective option.

In that year’s survey, 77% cited gas savings as their top motivation to purchase. Now, the national average for a gallon of regular ranges from $3 to $3.50, according to AAA tracking.

Meanwhile, turning back to results from this year’s survey, researchers found that the primary reasons for buying EVs remain similar, with respondents citing gas savings, environmental concerns, and an appreciation for the lower maintenance costs associated with EVs.

According to last year’s Your Driving Cost analysis, EVs had the lowest fuel cost of any vehicle type, based on a national average electricity price of 15.9 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh).

EVs also had the lowest maintenance costs among all models, according to AAA research.

What does it all mean for dealerships with plenty EVs to retail?

“Despite advancements in the EV industry and the growing availability of models, public perception regarding the future of EVs remains uncertain,” AAA said.

“The percentage of U.S. drivers who believe that most cars will be electric within the next 10 years has significantly declined from 40% in 2022 to 23% this year,” researchers continued. “Interest in EVs to take advantage of tax credits and rebates has decreased, dropping from 60% of those saying last year they are likely to buy an EV to 39% this year.”