Rising fuel prices push Americans toward EVs, and Brazil shows how fast buyers can switch brands

For many drivers, the jump in gas prices could be a big persuasive nudge toward electric vehicles.

According to the HERE-SBD EV Index 2026, 53% of U.S. drivers say they're more open to considering an EV than they were a year ago, and 57% said rising gas prices specifically influenced that interest. Among people who already drive an EV, nearly 8 out of 10 said gas prices had affected their interest. 

But Brazil is a preview of how fast that shift can actually happen once it takes hold. 

Here's what to know

Brazil's 2025-2026 car market suggests that when prices rise and a cheaper, better-equipped alternative is presented, ordinary buyers will switch brands pretty quickly — no environmental ideology required. 

For decades, Volkswagen, Fiat, and Chevrolet dominated Brazilian car sales and held over 60% of the market as recently as 2013. By 2019, Toyota, Hyundai, and Renault had added themselves to the competition, but the "Big Three" still ran the show.

But now, their dominance is starting to crack. Chevrolet's Brazilian market share fell to 10.8% in 2025, down sharply from prior years. One Brazilian trade outlet reported that in Chevrolet's "Region 1" network, which includes São Paulo and the Santos coast, some dealerships were selling fewer than 10 cars a month to customers. 

Meanwhile, Chinese manufacturers like BYD, Geely, and GWM have been picking up those customers. By August 2026, the top best-selling retail cars in Brazil were all Chinese models: the BYD Dolphin, BYD Dolphin Mini, Geely EX2, and GWM Haval H6. 

This success was not driven by environmental conviction. Chinese automakers were offering EVs that were so cheap to buy and run, and well-equipped, so Brazilian buyers just switched. 

What can be done?

Brazil's quick pivot to EVs raises a question for the U.S. market: If fuel prices keep climbing and the price and features gap keeps narrowing, could the shift to EVs look more like Brazil's? 

Total monthly ownership costs can look very different from sticker price alone. Gas prices, maintenance, insurance, charging access, and financing can all shift the equation, and Brazil suggests that once that math flips, buyers don't need much more convincing. 

Where can I learn more?

These articles look at EV buying myths, using vehicles to power a home, and what shapes the cost of home solar.

• Across the U.S., commonly repeated EV myths continue to shape buying decisions.

• In Hudiksvall, Sweden, neighbors use EVs to power their homes and cut bills.

• A Ford F-150 Lightning owner powers his house with the truck's battery.

• EnergySage says interconnected factors shape what many homeowners ultimately pay for solar.

• Bill McKibben says solar has become cheaper and more reliable for homeowners.

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