Online searches for EVs have jumped 20% in just three weeks
A sharp rise in US gasoline prices to $3.90 per gallon, the highest in nearly three years, has pushed American car buyers toward electric vehicles.
The spike follows escalating tensions after President Donald Trump ordered strikes on Iran, which disrupted global oil supply.
The Strait of Hormuz, a key route carrying nearly 20% of the world’s oil, faced shutdown risks, driving crude prices higher and hitting US consumers directly at the pump.
Search data signals rising demand
People’s interest in EVs is rising amid increasing fuel costs. Online searches for electric cars have jumped 20% within three weeks, according to CarEdge.
The renewed interest in electric vehicles comes even as President Donald Trump removed the tax incentive. However, dealers are giving deep discounts to attract customers.
Analysts say buyers now focus on avoiding fuel price swings. Platforms like Edmunds also report increased research activity for both new and used EVs, as drivers look for long-term savings.
High fuel prices often accelerate EV adoption. According to experts, it usually takes three to six months of sustained price increases for buyers to switch to cheaper alternatives.
Rising diesel costs are also hitting truck drivers hard, adding $300–$400 in weekly expenses. This is boosting interest in electric trucks like the Tesla Semi, which the company plans to scale rapidly.
The EV maker is looking to begin mass shipments this summer, targeting 15,000 deliveries by the end of 2026 and 50,000 annually thereafter.
If fuel prices remain high, EV demand could grow further, reshaping the auto and energy markets.
Despite growing interest, EV adoption remains uneven. The US trails global markets, where electric vehicles account for nearly 20% of new sales, compared to 7.8% in the US.
Still, cheaper used EVs and hybrids like the Toyota Camry and RAV4 are gaining traction, especially among budget-conscious Americans seeking stability amid volatile fuel prices.