A steady decline in gas prices over the past three years has done little to dampen interest in electric vehicles, a new study has found.

In fact, according to the survey done by the American Automobile Association, nearly 30 million Americans are interested in an electric vehicle for their next auto purchase, a number approaching those who plan to buy a pickup truck.

The popularity and increasing sales of models like Tesla, the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan’s Leaf demonstrate not only concern for the environment, but a consistent appetite for new technology, according to Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of automotive engineering.

“Tesla in particular has helped widen the appeal of electric vehicles by showing they can be performance-focused and filled with cutting-edge technology,” Brannon said. He added that lower long-term ownership costs make it more pragmatic for customers to consider electric vehicles.

However, some industry insiders say that interest hasn’t yet translated into buying.

“We bucket electric vehicles, hybrids and plug-in hybrids into the same category,” says Michelle Krebs, an analyst with Autotrader. “That category has under 3 percent of all new-car sales, which last year was 17.5 million vehicles. And that’s despite many new models being introduced of late.”

Still, although gas prices have been trending downward since 2014 — according to GasBuddy.com, a gallon hasn’t cost $3 since October of that year — electric vehicle sales have continued to rise rapidly, with Tesla leading the way last year by selling nearly 70,000 units. Worldwide, they’re expected to top 3.8 million by 2020, according to Forbes.

“As younger buyers enter the market, more attractive electric vehicles are made available,” said Jack Gillis, director of public affairs for the Consumer Federation of America. “As consumers learn more about these vehicles, interest in purchasing them is likely to grow significantly.”

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, electric vehicles could account for 6 percent of American auto sales by 2025. Government mandates like California’s Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) program are also spurring increased production and quickening the process of bringing green cars to market.

Despite increased interest in the new technology, the AAA survey found some hesitation among potential car buyers, mainly in the form of what researchers are calling “range anxiety” — a concern over running out of charge or not being able to find a convenient charging station.

“While desire for green vehicles is strong, making the leap to an electric, hybrid or other fuel efficient vehicle can be daunting,” said Megan McKernan, manager of AAA’s Automotive Research Center.

But, adds Brannon, “while electric vehicles may not yet fit every lifestyle, the number of charging stations has quadrupled over the last five years, and battery ranges (on most electric cars) support average commutes more than adequately.”