With fuel costs rising, many Americans are reassessing whether an electric vehicle fits their budget, even after Congress eliminated the federal incentives that once helped spur adoption.
Here's what to know
In an annual EV Index report from Here Technologies and SBD Automotive, CleanTechnica reported that more than half of surveyed drivers said higher gas prices have led them to consider an electric vehicle.
That change in sentiment is happening despite the lack of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit.
The report found that views on charging access also improved sharply. In 2025, only about one in four respondents (28%) said there were enough chargers available, but that figure rose to nearly half this year (47%) — among EV owners, it reached 85%.
More background
As the CleanTechnica report reflects, the EV market has matured considerably. Vehicles that were once seen as niche products now often offer ranges of several hundred miles, and many are priced similarly to comparable gas-powered cars.
Sticker price tends to get the most attention, but the longer-term math can look different. Because electricity and maintenance are often cheaper than gasoline and repairs for combustion vehicles, owning an EV can cost less over time.
Practicality has improved, too. With more charging stations available and longer ranges becoming common, the switch can feel more realistic for everyday use, and range anxiety may become less of a deal-breaker and more of a standard shopping consideration.
Carmakers that stuck with their electrification strategies will be well positioned to benefit from that shift. If consumer interest keeps rising, added competition could also bring buyers more EV choices.
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Taken together, the survey suggests that the EV market may be getting easier for shoppers to evaluate, especially as gas prices soar. If charging keeps improving and gas prices stay top of mind, more households may decide that going electric works in their favor.
Where can I learn more?
These articles break down how EV charging, ownership, and maintenance costs compare with gas cars.
• For most American drivers, switching to an electric vehicle would lower overall transportation costs.
• For many buyers, the cost of owning an EV now rivals a gas car.
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• After years behind the wheel, many drivers say EV maintenance costs remain far lower.
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