Gas Prices Are Pushing More Americans Out Of Gas Cars And Into EVs

Statistically speaking, almost no one in America drives an EV. An overwhelming majority of our population drives either a fully gas-powered car or a hybrid. However, a rising number of car buyers have traded in their gas cars for EVs, according to Edmunds data shared with Men's Journal. In January 2026, 67.1 percent of buyers buying a new EV at dealerships traded in a gas car, with the figure climbing to 72.1% in April. However, the spike in gas trade-ins is just that, and not representative of a massive new trend.

The data shows that EV buyers are also staying with their electric cars: 26.2% of buyers traded an old EV for a new one in January. 34.3% traded up, but bought a used EV instead. By April, these two data points rose to 35.4% and 44.5%, respectively. The growth trend over the last several months closely mirrors the spike in gas prices brought on by President Trump's war on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. However, it could also be part of a rising trend, though more time is needed.

"At six months, you're going to start dragging in even more consumers who are just going to be over [gas prices], especially if we see that other costs are increasing too," said Edmunds Senior Director of Insights Ivan Drury."If you look at the best deals right now, you're still gonna find EVs on that list," he said, "It's going to be low APR. There's going to be cash back." Dealers are working hard to move new EVs after the floor fell out of demand following the close of federal subsidies last September. The policy has stood since the first Obama administration. The short-term spike in EV interest may run into a roadblock down the line: automakers have pulled EVs from the US market en masse, leaving an electric vehicle desert while these same automakers continue to focus on electrification abroad.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 10:19 AM.