Are EVs Back? Why High Gas Prices Are Putting Electric Cars Back on Shoppers’ Minds

For a while, it looked like the electric vehicle market had cooled off.

When the federal EV tax credits went away at the end of September 2025, a lot of shoppers paused. That made sense. Losing a potential $7,500 credit on a new EV — and a $4,000 credit on a used EV — changed the math overnight. The first full quarter after the credits ended showed a clear drop in new EV sales. Cox Automotive reported that new EV sales were down 27% year over year in the first quarter of 2026.  

But now something interesting is happening.

Gas prices are back in the conversation in a big way.

As of early May 2026, AAA showed the national average for regular gas around $4.46 per gallon, with Colorado right behind it at about $4.44 per gallon.  For a lot of drivers, that changes the conversation at the kitchen table. A vehicle that looked expensive a few months ago starts looking different when every fill-up hurts.

At Legacy Automotive, we are seeing that shift in real life. After the tax credits went away, we saw EV interest soften. Now, with gas prices high and uncertainty in the oil market, EV conversations are coming back. Customers are asking about battery health, charging, real-world range, maintenance costs, and whether a used EV makes sense for their commute.

So, are EVs “back”?

The honest answer is: they never fully left, but the market changed.

The EV Market Had a Reset

The tax credit era made EVs easier to justify for many buyers. When that incentive disappeared, the market had to stand on its own. That meant price, range, charging access, reliability, and repair confidence mattered more than ever.

That reset hit new EV sales hard. Cox Automotive reported 216,399 new EV sales in Q1 2026, down 27% from the year before. EVs made up 5.8% of new-vehicle sales, the same share as the previous quarter but well below the 10.6% peak from Q3 2025.  

That does not mean people stopped wanting EVs. It means buyers became more practical.

Without the credit, a new EV has to make sense on its own. For some buyers, it still does. For others, the better value may now be in the used EV market.

High Gas Prices Change the Math

Gas prices are one of the biggest reminders that driving a gas-powered vehicle comes with unpredictable operating costs.

When gas is cheap, some shoppers forget about fuel economy. When gas jumps toward $4.50 per gallon, everyone notices.

For commuters, delivery drivers, families with multiple vehicles, and businesses running fleet vehicles, fuel cost matters. A driver who fills a 15-gallon tank once a week at $4.44 per gallon is spending about $66 per fill-up. That is roughly $265 per month before road trips, extra errands, or business use.

EVs are not free to operate, but electricity costs are generally more stable than gasoline. EVs also have fewer routine maintenance items. No oil changes. No spark plugs. No timing belts. No exhaust system. No catalytic converter. No transmission service in the traditional sense.

That does not make every EV the right car for every person. But it does mean the ownership math deserves a fresh look.

Used EVs May Be the Sweet Spot

The most interesting part of the current EV market may be used EVs.

New EVs took a hit after the tax credits expired, but used EV demand has been stronger. Reporting based on Cox Automotive data showed that used EV sales rose in early 2026 while new EV sales dropped.  

That makes sense. A used EV can often avoid the steepest part of depreciation. Many still have battery warranty coverage. And for a driver with a predictable commute, home charging, and a second vehicle available for long trips, a used EV can be a very practical choice.

The key is buying the right one.

Before purchasing a used EV, buyers should look at:

• Battery health
• Remaining battery warranty
• Charging speed and connector type
• Real-world range in Colorado weather
• Tire condition
• Suspension wear
• Software updates
• Availability of parts and service
• Whether home charging is realistic

That is where a proper pre-purchase inspection matters. EVs are not maintenance-free. They are different-maintenance vehicles.

EVs Still Need Service — Just Different Service

One misconception is that EVs do not need repair shops. That is not true.

EVs still need tires, brakes, suspension work, alignments, cabin filters, coolant service, diagnostics, software-related troubleshooting, high-voltage system checks, and general inspections. In Colorado, EVs also deal with winter range loss, potholes, road salt, and heavy tire wear from instant torque and battery weight.

At Legacy Automotive, we have invested in EV tooling and training because we believe EVs are part of the long-term future of auto repair. We also believe customers need honest guidance — not hype.

Some people should absolutely consider an EV.

Some people should consider a hybrid.

Some people are still better served by a gas vehicle.

The right answer depends on how you drive.

So, Are EVs Back?

Yes — but not in the same way.

The tax-credit-driven EV rush cooled off. Now the EV market is being driven by more practical questions:

Does it save me money?

Can I charge it easily?

Will the range work for my life?

Can someone local service it?

Is a used EV a better value than a new one?

With gas prices high again, more drivers are asking those questions. That is not just our imagination. The national sales data shows there was a post-tax-credit drop, and current fuel prices are giving people a new reason to look at electric vehicles again.  

EVs are not for everyone. But for the right driver, especially someone with a predictable commute and access to charging, they are worth another look.

If you are thinking about buying a used EV, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid, Legacy Automotive can help inspect it before you buy. We can check the vehicle, look for common issues, talk through charging and maintenance, and help you decide whether it actually fits your life.

The EV conversation is back — and this time, it is less about tax credits and more about real-world cost of ownership.