Better fuel efficiency and more driver assist safety features are top of the shopping list for car buyers, according to the American Automobile Association which has just released its 2022 edition of the AAA Car Guide.

The organisation said nearly 80% of drivers want automakers to focus on improving fuel economy, while 76% want active driving assistance systems (ADAS), like automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control.

The newest batch of EVs (electric vehicles), which are often the most technologically cutting-edge and the most fuel-efficient can address these desires, said the AAA.

“EV sales, while small, are growing, and the signs are everywhere that the future is electric,” said Megan McKernan, manager of the Automotive Research Center. “And that future may arrive faster with consumer preferences changing because of factors such as high gas prices and the gradual phasing-out of gasoline-powered vehicles in some areas.”

For the 2022 edition of the AAA Car Guide, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD earned the overall top score.

In 2021, electric vehicle sales rose to nearly 477,000, representing 3.3% of total vehicle sales – but marking a 81.5% increase over 2020 sales. Of the 62 vehicles reviewed for the 2022 AAA Car Guide, six are electric.

Many of the world’s major automakers have announced plans to dramatically increase electric vehicle production or phase out gasoline-powered vehicles entirely by 2035.