The Needle Is Beginning To Move On EVs, But Not Necessarily Because Of Fuel Prices

Electric vehicle sales in the US have not recovered even though gas prices jumped after fighting broke out involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route. Sales had already fallen sharply after Congress ended the $7,500 federal EV tax credit last year, and higher gas prices alone have not turned that around. Many drivers who did start shopping electric ended up choosing plug-in hybrids or range-extended hybrids rather than fully electric cars.

A new industry survey, the HERE-SBD EV Index 2026, points to a different reason people are warming up to EVs: growing confidence in public charging. The US added 31,600 public charging stations over the past year, and charging speeds rose 47 percent. Positive views of public charging availability jumped from 28 percent to 47 percent of those surveyed, though concerns about range and charging access have not disappeared entirely. Buyers surveyed also said they now see EVs as a practical money choice, not just an environmental one, with better value, performance, and lower running costs cited as top reasons to consider one. Owners themselves report the experience beats expectations, with most saying charging and range were better than they thought and most planning to buy another EV.

For homeowners, the relevant thread is charging access. More chargers are now showing up at convenience stores, travel centers, and fast-food restaurants, not just gas stations, which matters especially for anyone who cannot charge at home, including many people living in apartments or condos.