Are rising gas prices making electric vehicles more appealing to U.S. automobile buyers?

Conflict involving Iran has placed renewed pressure on global energy markets, with disruption around the Strait of Hormuz contributing to higher fuel costs for American drivers. The average U.S. retail price of regular gasoline rose from $2.91 a gallon in February 2026 to $3.64 in March, $4.10 in April and $4.48 in May.

With the cost of running a gasoline-powered automobile rising, are electric vehicles proving to be a more popular choice with America's automobile buyers?Trended data from YouGov CategoryView helps provide an insight.

Are American automobile buyers considering EVs more in 2026?

Among U.S. adults intending to purchase a vehicle within the next 12 months, 8% said they expected their next vehicle to be electric in February 2026. The figure remained unchanged in March, before nearly doubling to 15% in April.

However, the share fell back to 11% in May, even as average U.S. gasoline prices remained elevated. One possible factor was the prospect of a ceasefire, which emerged early in the month and shaped much of the subsequent coverage of the conflict, potentially easing expectations of further disruption to energy markets.

The figures indicate that higher fuel costs may have briefly strengthened the appeal of EVs, but were not enough to sustain the peak.

Range and battery concerns remain the leading barriers to EV adoption

Among prospective automobile buyers who do not intend to purchase an EV, driving range is the most widely cited obstacle. Nearly half say the distance they can travel without charging would discourage them from choosing an electric vehicle (47%).

Battery safety and longevity follows closely at 46%, while 43% are concerned about the number and proximity of charging stations. The same proportion point to potential repair and maintenance costs.

These findings show that some of the most prominent barriers relate to confidence in the wider EV ownership experience rather than the cost of electricity itself. The data shows that consumers need to be comfortable not only with the vehicle, but also with where they will charge it, how long its battery will last and what it may cost to maintain.

Affordability remains part of the EV equation for U.S. automobile buyers

More than a third of automobile buyers who do not intend to purchase an EV cite the vehicle purchase price as a deterrent (37%), while 34% say they do not have the capability or space to charge an EV at home.

Vehicle longevity is a concern for 32%. Higher insurance costs and the possibility of an EV stalling during cold weather are each cited by 28%, while a quarter point to vehicle performance.

With U.S. retail gasoline prices recently climbing back above $4 a gallon, the coming months may offer a clearer test of whether sustained fuel-cost pressures translate into stronger demand for EVs.

Methodology: YouGov CategoryView delivers sector-level intelligence by combining brand tracking with in-depth consumer insights. Data is collected daily from YouGov’s proprietary online panel and delivered via monthly dashboards, tailored to the unique needs of each industry. CategoryView is available across multiple verticals including Automotive, Financial Services, Quick Service Restaurants, and Beer & Hard Seltzers. It provides a representative view of market dynamics, brand performance, and consumer behaviors. Insights are weighted to nationally representative demographics within each market.