If rising fuel prices have you looking for alternatives to a gas-powered car, you’re not alone. More than a third of U.S. adults say they are likely or very likely to purchase a hybrid for their next vehicle, according to a new AAA survey released today.
The survey was conducted March 19 – 26, 2026 and included over 1,000 U.S. adults. Respondents who preferred hybrids over fully electric vehicles most often cited fewer concerns about driving range and charging access.
While the number of public charging stations nationwide has increased from about 55,000 in 2022 to roughly 80,000 today, the survey found that hesitation to purchase fully electric vehicles remains. Only 18% of respondents — up 2% from 2025 — said they were likely or very likely to purchase a fully electric vehicle for their next vehicle. Meanwhile, the percentage of respondents who said they are unlikely or very unlikely to buy a fully electric vehicle as their next vehicle decreased by 5% to 58%. Cost and range anxiety were cited as the top barriers to purchasing electric vehicles, while saving money on gas and environmental concerns were leading motivators.
For those who are considering the switch to an EV, AAA recommends the following tips:
- Consider the impact of extreme temperatures on EV performance. New AAA research shows that in 20-degree temperatures, EVs experience a 36% drop in efficiency and a 39% loss of range, while hybrids see a 23% decrease in fuel efficiency compared to 75 degrees. While cold temperatures have the greatest impact on range and efficiency, heat also plays a role. The same research shows that in 95-degree temperatures, EVs experience a 10% drop in efficiency and an 8.5% loss of range, and hybrids experience a 12% decrease in fuel efficiency.
- Evaluate charging access and energy pricing. EV operating costs depend heavily on electricity rates and where charging occurs. Home charging can help manage seasonal cost swings compared to frequent public charging.
- Look at reliability and safety ratings when shopping for a new EV. Perform a road test and become familiar with the vehicle’s technology. Consider leasing instead of purchasing; with evolving technology, the vehicle could be worth much less than you owe when it’s time to trade it in.
- Check batteries and tires when shopping for a used EV. Test the battery when it’s fully charged and compare the performance to factory numbers. If the battery has degraded below 70% of its capacity, the price of the vehicle should be lower. EV tires tend to wear more quickly, so be sure to check tires and ask if the vehicle had prior body work.
- Try decision tools. The AAA Your Driving Costs calculator estimates ownership and operating costs, factoring in local climate, driving habits and EV public charging prices from the AAA Gas Price Data.
Last updated on May 4, 2026 by AAA Staff
Based in Rhode Island, Jillian Young is AAA Northeast’s director of public relations. She regularly appears in local TV, radio and print media to discuss traffic safety, travel, insurance and more.
