HAMPTON ROADS — According to a national survey by AAA, one-in-five drivers in the United States wants an electric vehicle.
The survey says 50 million American buyers will “likely” go for an electric car as their next purchase.
Does that hold true in Hampton, or in Newport News?
“It’s more of a west coast thing,” said Antoine Bryant, a sales representative at the Pomoco Nissan of Hampton. “We don’t see too many electric cars on the east coast.”
To help buyers in their search for a “green” vehicle, AAA has listed for 2018 its Top Green Vehicle Awards online.
“A first-time buyer may feel overwhelmed or confused by the differences between gas-powered, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric,” said Georjean Blumling, vice president of public affairs for AAA Tidewater Virginia. “Our evaluations are designed to help drivers select a safe, comfortable, and reliable vehicle – not just the most efficient one.”
The Nissan Leaf SL won a green award from AAA, however Bryant said they only sell “two or three” Nissan Leafs a year.
Similarly, the Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier, which won a green vehicle award from AAA, hasn’t been selling well in Newport News.
“Locally, electric cars aren’t flying off the shelves,” said Daniel McGinest, a sales representative from Priority Chevrolet in Newport News. “We don’t even have one in our lot right now.”
McGinest said they usually keep one Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier in their lot at a time.
