AAA Washington Annual EV Survey Shows Strong Interest in Electric Vehicles, Charging Gap Hurdles

AAA Washington – the trusted local leader in automotive, insurance and travel, today announced the results of its 2024 Electric Vehicle (EV) Survey. Overall results show strong enthusiasm for EVs, particularly plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), driven by cost savings and environmental benefits with charging infrastructure cited as the primary challenge for broader adoption. This is the second annual EV survey issued by AAA Washinton, who advocates safer mobility for all on behalf of its 1.2 million members.  

“By listening to the concerns and needs of our membership, which reaches one in five households across Washington state, we have a good barometer of the overall attitudes and trends among local drivers,” said Laura Ray, Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Environmental, Social and Governance with AAA Washington. “Our second annual survey gives our members a platform to share feedback as plans for electrification take shape throughout the state.” 

Why EVs Are Gaining Momentum 

Findings show that 26% of respondents currently drive an EV or plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV), with 83% of current owners likely to consider an EV/PHEV for their next vehicle; 29% of respondents not currently driving an EV are considering one as their next vehicle. Other key findings include: 

• Environmental Impact: 42% of female respondents cite emissions reductions and cleaner air as the top motivator for considering an EV compared with 29% of male respondents. 
• Cost Savings: Across all demographics, potential savings at the pump remains a key driver to electrification, particularly as fuel prices fluctuate: 30% of women and 33% of men said saving money on gas was their main reason for driving an EV.  
• Word of Mouth: Nearly 90% of EV drivers would recommend an EV to others. 
• Economic parity: EV ownership is roughly two times higher for those with annual household incomes over $100,000 compared to those under $100,000, underscoring the need to focus economic incentives on those with lower incomes. 

The Challenges: Charging Infrastructure 

Despite growing enthusiasm, charging infrastructure remains the biggest barrier for potential EV owners. The survey found: 

• Access Issues: While 90% of members charge their EVs primarily at home, 37% express concerns about the accessibility of public charging stations, particularly when traveling longer distances. In fact, 75% of EV drivers continue to own a gas/diesel vehicle, citing the need for backup when transiting areas with insufficient charging infrastructure or hauling heavy loads. 
• Reliability: A notable 35% of respondents report frustrations with nonfunctional or broken chargers, reflecting the critical need for reliable public infrastructure. Charging speed remains another concern, with many respondents noting that current options often fail to meet their time-sensitive demands. 
• Rural vs. Urban Disparities: Disparities in charging infrastructure are evident, with rural respondents facing greater challenges in accessing reliable chargers. This contrasts sharply with urban and suburban areas, where charging infrastructure is more readily available, putting rural communities at a disadvantage for EV adoption. 
• Geographic parity: Regardless of county, respondents across Washington consistently cited concerns about EVs’ suitability for long-distance travel as a barrier to their adoption.  

How AAA Washington is Supporting the EV Movement 

AAA Washington is playing an active role in supporting its members and all Washingtonians on their own journey to electrification through trusted resources, services and advocacy initiatives. 

Key initiatives include: 

• EV Toolkit: Comprehensive resources on aaawa.com, including the EV 101 Guide, AAA Driving Costs Calculator, and information about electric roadside services. 
• Charging Solutions: Expanding roadside assistance for EVs and partnering with local businesses and government agencies to advocate for improved public charging infrastructure across Washington. 
• Free Public EV Events: AAA Washington is gearing up for Drive Electric Week (Sept. 27–Oct. 5), giving members the opportunity to experience electric vehicles firsthand. Upcoming partnership events include: 
  • BECU Ride-and-Drive in Tukwila – September 28 
  • Forth Ride-and-Drive in Spokane – October 5 

Looking Ahead: Shaping AAA Washington’s Strategy 

The findings from this survey will help guide AAA Washington’s efforts in tailoring services to meet the evolving needs of EV owners. Our key areas of focus include: 

• Product Expansion: Enhancing insurance offerings and roadside services for EV owners. 
• Advocacy: Collaborating with government and industry leaders to improve the state's EV charging infrastructure and support legislation and incentives that promote EV adoption. 
• Member Education: Continuing to provide valuable information and resources that help guide members on their EV journey. 

The survey, conducted from July 19 to August 5, 2024, reached 385,304 AAA Washington members, with 13,206 respondents sharing their views on EV adoption, charging concerns, and the factors motivating their interest in electric vehicles. 

For more information on AAA Washington’s EV Toolkit visit aaawa.com or follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook at @aaawa.  

About AAA Washington  

For 120 years, AAA Washington has championed safer mobility, preserving the area's natural beauty and showcasing Washington as an unrivaled travel destination. It has long supported communities across the Pacific Northwest, including through its beloved School Safety Patrol program, Soap for Hope™ toiletry fundraiser and Batteries to Branches™ battery recycling campaign. More than 1.2 million members across Washington and Northern Idaho turn to AAA Washington for trusted services like automotive, travel, discounts and rewards. In addition to being the largest independent personal-lines insurance agency in Washington, it also offers the new Auto Club MAPFRE Insurance Company's products under the AAA Insurance brand. 

Founded in 1904, AAA Washington is a not-for-profit based in Bellevue, Wash. with satellite offices in Vancouver, Wash. and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Fleet Centers across Washington in Seattle, Spokane and Vancouver. It remains one of the most trusted travel and automotive brands in the U.S. and was voted a Best Place to Work and the Best Travel/Tourism Company.