With the surge in fuel prices, Americans are turning their attention back to electric cars

In the United States, the surge in fuel prices could have an unexpected impact on the automotive market: making electric vehicles more attractive again. According to a new study, 57% of American drivers believe gasoline prices could influence their interest in EVs...

Just a few months ago, the prospects for electric vehicles in the U.S. seemed rather bleak. The elimination of the federal tax credit of 7,500 euros and Trump’s changes in regulatory policy weighed heavily on the market. But another factor is now working in favor of battery-powered vehicles: fuel costs.

Pump prices are changing the game

According to the 2026 HERE-SBD EV Index, 57% of American drivers surveyed say gasoline prices are increasingly affecting their interest in electric vehicles. More broadly, 53% say they are more willing to consider buying an electric model than they were a year ago.

The war with Iran and disruptions in oil markets have caused fuel prices to rise sharply. Diesel, in particular, has recently crossed the $6 per gallon mark on average in the United States for the first time.

Charging is less of a concern

And that’s not all... In fact, the trend seems to go beyond a simple reaction to rising fuel prices. Compared to the survey conducted in 2025, 10% fewer American drivers say they want to buy a gasoline car for their next vehicle. As in Europe, attitudes may be changing.

Finally, the perception of charging infrastructure is also evolving: 47% of drivers surveyed now consider the number of public chargers to be “satisfactory,” up from only 28% in 2025. Among those who already drive electric vehicles, the situation is even better: 85% consider the network coverage to be “good” or “very good.”

Also read

For Donald Trump, people who drive electric cars suffer from a “disease”

But…

Everything isn’t resolved yet. The purchase cost of electric cars remains the main obstacle to transitioning to electric vehicles. This is also why several American automakers are currently working hard to develop more affordable models. In short, it remains to be seen whether this renewed interest will translate into sales.