Top EV Driver Challenges: Pedestrian Safety, Acceleration, Touchscreen & Range

April 2025 – America’s electric vehicle revolution is accelerating faster than ever, with new models flooding the market and sales hitting record highs. But for many drivers, the transition to battery power comes with unexpected hurdles. A new survey from the American Automobile Association (AAA) reveals the top challenges facing EV owners across the country, from silent driving to touchscreen overload.

The survey, conducted among 1,200 US EV drivers, identifies the most surprising pain point: nervousness around pedestrians and cyclists. Nearly 42% of respondents admitted feeling uneasy because electric cars are so quiet at low speeds. Federal regulations require EVs to emit a sound when traveling under 20 mph to alert vulnerable road users, but that sound stops above that speed, leaving only tire noise. Many drivers report near-misses in parking lots and school zones, prompting calls for better pedestrian alert systems.

Rapid acceleration came in second, with 35% of drivers concerned about adjusting to an EV’s instant torque. Unlike gas-powered vehicles, electric motors deliver maximum torque from a standstill, making EVs zippy off the line. While exciting, this can surprise drivers accustomed to gradual acceleration, especially during merging or avoiding obstacles. Experts recommend practicing in empty parking lots to get a feel for the pedal response.

Touchscreen distraction ranked third. A growing number of EVs—from Tesla and Hyundai to Ford and Rivian—have removed physical buttons for climate, audio, and navigation, consolidating controls into large central screens. 31% of surveyed drivers said they find the interface distracting, particularly when trying to adjust settings while driving. AAA’s safety team notes that even simple tasks like changing the temperature can require multiple taps, taking eyes off the road for several seconds.

Charging frustration and range anxiety rounded out the top five. 19% of EV drivers cited broken or unresponsive public chargers as a major headache, while 18% admitted to running out of battery at least once. Although modern EVs provide accurate range estimates, the uneven distribution of charging stations—especially in rural areas and along interstate corridors—can leave drivers stranded. According to the US Department of Energy, as of April 2025, there are over 180,000 public charging ports nationwide, but reliability data from J.D. Power shows that one in five charging sessions fails due to equipment malfunction, payment issues, or software glitches.

“More Americans are choosing EVs, but the learning curve is real,” said Chris Wood, Emerging Risks Manager at AAA. “Our research shows that drivers who understand the technology—especially charging habits and vehicle capabilities—are far more satisfied. Preparation is key.”

Tips for new EV owners
AAA recommends that first-time EV buyers:

• Talk to experienced owners – join local EV clubs or online forums, like the Electric Vehicle Association of America, which hosts monthly meetups and webinars.
• Explore the vehicle’s tech at home – spend an hour in the driveway learning the touchscreen menus and customizable settings before driving in traffic.
• Practice silent driving – drive slowly in parking lots to get used to the lack of engine noise and test pedestrian alerts.
• Establish a regular charging schedule – for most drivers, plugging in overnight at home (Level 2) is the most convenient and cost-effective. Reserve DC fast charging for long trips.
• Plan for emergencies – keep a portable charger in the trunk and know the locations of backup charging stations along your regular routes.

The US EV landscape is evolving quickly, with new models like the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Ford F-150 Lightning pushing the boundaries. But as AAA’s survey makes clear, the drive to electrification isn’t just about buying a car—it’s about adapting to a new way of moving. With the right preparation, those early challenges can become second nature.