EV owner says rising gas prices turned years of mockery into bragging rights

For drivers who switched to electric vehicles, rising gas prices can bring an unexpected feeling of vindication.

That sentiment surfaced in a busy discussion on the r/electricvehicles subreddit after one EV owner said higher fuel prices had changed the dynamic with people who used to mock the choice to drive an electric car.

Here's what to know

In a Reddit thread, the original poster said they normally keep conversations about their EV pretty low-key and only really talk about it when asked. But once some of their longtime critics began griping about fuel costs, the owner said the contrast became satisfying. 

"It does feel good telling them how little I pay to 'fill' my tank," the original poster wrote.

Hundreds of replies suggested the feeling was widely shared. 

"Seriously, it's so cathartic to say when people I know who bought huge trucks and laughed at my little EV a few years ago cry about gas prices," one commenter wrote.

Another commenter gave a more direct example of sticker shock.

"I didn't mean to but I asked a friend about her car and how much it was to fill the tank, maybe $35," they wrote. "She was pretty upset and said $70."

More background

EV owners still pay for electricity, but they are much less exposed to the day-to-day swings in gasoline prices that can suddenly strain a household budget.

One commenter summed up that disconnect plainly: "I had a buddy mention that I must be loving the EV because of how high gas prices are and my response is basically that I don't really think about it because I have no idea how much gas is right now."

The discussion also touched on maintenance costs. "Apparently motor oil prices have gone through the roof as well, couldn't really tell you how much though," another user wrote. 

That serves as a reminder that EVs do not need oil changes and generally require fewer routine maintenance items than gas-powered vehicles.

At the same time, the thread was not entirely made up of victory laps. One commenter said their EV had been totaled and that EV prices had risen too — a reminder that upfront cost, insurance, and vehicle availability can still be significant barriers even when fueling costs are lower.

What can be done?

Comparing monthly spending on gas, oil changes, and other routine maintenance with the cost of charging at home or at nearby public stations can offer a more realistic picture.

If a new EV feels out of reach, used options, tax credits, utility rebates, and off-peak charging rates can help make the math more favorable. Even drivers who are not ready for a fully electric model may find that a plug-in hybrid significantly reduces fuel spending.

For those not in a position to buy a different car right now, cutting gasoline use through public transit, biking, carpooling, or combining errands can still help soften the blow of fuel spikes. Those lucky enough to drive electric are sitting pretty.

"Every time I drive by a gas station in my EV, I feel a wave of relief and smile," one driver shared. "I am so not going back to that again."

Where can I learn more?

Discussions around EVs often turn to the true financial picture of ownership and some of the persistent myths around charging.

• For many households, owning an EV costs less over time than running a gas vehicle.

• One Nissan Leaf owner said there are still a lot of myths around EV costs and charging.

• Across Reddit, drivers said switching to an electric car felt financially smart because charging stayed cheap.

• Common misconceptions about EV costs and carbon still shape how many shoppers judge electric cars.

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