WASHINGTON, D. C. (Tuesday, May 8, 2018) –– American appetite for electric vehicles is heating up. The ardor for electric vehicles is really strong and greenest in the Washington metro area, with both Maryland and Virginia perched high on the list of the 11 “states where people buy the most green cars in America.” 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. Maryland could soon implement the second largest statewide network of electric vehicle charging stations in the nation. The worry about the number of EV charging stations could dissipate, jump-starting electric vehicles sales in the region, if the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) gives the nod to the proposal in a hearing set for next Friday.

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.

Perhaps fueling American’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. Not surprisingly, range anxiety is less of a concern for millennials (48 percent) than Generation X or Baby Boomers (64 percent and 66 percent, respectively).

“It’s electrifying! The future for electric vehicles is fertile and will continue to grow, especially in this market,” said John B. Townsend II, AAA Mid-Atlantic’s Manager of Public and Government Affairs. “In part, this is due to the growth in popularity for electric vehicles, combined with rising gas prices, easing of range anxiety, and the economical cost of ownership.”

While range is important to most (87 percent) electric and hybrid vehicle shoppers, it is not the only consideration. Reliability is king with nine-in-ten (92 percent) of those likely to by an electric or hybrid vehicle stating it is important when evaluating which car to buy. They want to “rock down to Electric Avenue.”

“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 are also attracted to the lower long-term costs and advanced technology features that many of these vehicles offer.”

Electric and hybrid car shoppers are also prioritizing crash ratings (77 percent), cost (71 percent), acceleration and handling (69 percent) and advanced safety technology such as automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assistance (60 percent). Fewer drivers are concerned with style, color, or design of the vehicle (34 percent) or brand of the vehicle (33 percent). Full survey results available here.

To help drivers looking to making the switch or find their next green vehicle, 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 may feel overwhelmed or confused by the differences between gas-powered, hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric,” said Megan McKernan, manager of 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:

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 may be more eager to buy an electric vehicle, having the right infrastructure will be critical to its widespread adoption. In 2018, the availability of charging stations had grown to more than 16,000 in the United States and, although anxiety over range has reduced, AAA’s survey found consumer expectation for charging time while on the road may not align with reality. Seven-in-ten (68 percent) Americans feel that while out driving, a charging time of no more than 30 minutes is a reasonable amount of time to wait.

“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.”

There are about 4.1 million registered vehicles across the Greater Washington region, notes the TPB. The total is up from 3.89 million registered vehicles in the region in 2014. In 2016, the region had 4,200 electric vehicles, according to the TPB Vehicle Census. Statewide, Maryland boasts 9,400 registered zero-emission vehicles on its roads, compared to “4,058 EVs registered in Virginia,” as of 2016. Additionally, the Washington metro region boasts 120,000 registered hybrid vehicles, including hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

As of 2017, Maryland ranked ninth in the nation in the number of charging stations for Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV), or electric vehicles (EV), notes AAA Mid-Atlantic, and Virginia ranked 15^th among the states. Maryland has 1,284 publicly accessible electric charging stations; Virginia has 1,008; and the District houses 91, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuel Data Center.

In, March, a consortium of utility companies and allied entities in Maryland announced a $104 million program to boost and expand the total number of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the state to 24,000, creating the “second-largest EV charging network in the country.” The Maryland PSC is asked to render its decision by May 18, 2018, as the state’s four main utilities and allies make a big push to expand the number of charging stations. 

The decision would cause the anxiety or fear of running out a charge while driving less of a hurdle for car shoppers in Maryland and the Washington metro area. Under its ZEV program, Maryland has a goal of having 60,000 ZEVs on the road within the next two years, 2020, and five times that number seven years from now in 2025, according the Maryland Department of the Environment.

In 2009, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government (MWCOG) announced plans to build an area-wide charging grid for electric vehicles, and in 2012 COG and its green partners initiated a “regional EV Planning Initiative” to facilitate adoption of EVs.

Drivers can access charging station locations through AAA’s Mobile app or TripTik Planner. Additional survey data, study methodology, graphics, photos and video can be found at NewsRoom.AAA.com.

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AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 57 million members nationwide and nearly 78,000 members in the District of Columbia.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information, visit  https://aaa.com