Americans Hate High Gas Prices—But They Hate Electric Cars Even More

For years, the assumption around electric vehicles has been simple: when gas prices spike, more people will switch to EVs.

According to a new consumer survey, that logic may not hold up nearly as well as many in the industry assumed.

A recent Bumper.com survey of 2,228 Americans conducted in April 2026 found that most non-EV owners still aren’t seriously considering electric vehicles, even as fuel prices continue to cook thanks to the war in Iran. The bigger issue isn’t necessarily EV pricing or charging infrastructure alone. Instead, the survey suggests a surprising number of consumers simply don’t believe EVs would save them any money in the first place.

That perception problem could be one of the biggest roadblocks slowing EV adoption in the United States.

The “EVs Save Nothing” Problem

The most eye-opening finding from the survey involved expected fuel savings. Among respondents who answered the question, nearly 67 percent said switching from a gas-powered vehicle to an EV would save them exactly zero dollars annually on operating costs.

Only nine percent believed they’d save more than $1,000 per year by making the switch.

That perception creates a serious problem for automakers and EV advocates. If drivers don’t think an EV will reduce their ownership costs, rising fuel prices lose much of their power as a motivator. Part of the problem is also the increased purchase price that comes with an EV; if the perceived payback isn't there, most shoppers only see the inflated cost of entry.

Gas Prices Are Not Driving EV Curiosity

Despite fuel prices hitting some of their highest levels in years, the survey found that more than 80 percent of non-EV owners said higher gas prices had not made them more interested in electric vehicles. That is closely tied to the perception of savings.

Even fewer said they planned to buy an EV specifically to avoid spending money on gasoline.

That’s a major disconnect from the narrative many automakers have leaned on during the EV transition. The assumption has often been that economic pressure at the pump would naturally push buyers toward electrification. But according to this data, that pressure isn’t translating into purchase intent.

What EV Ownership Actually Costs

Part of the issue may simply be a lack of awareness around real-world charging costs.

According to the survey data, many consumers appear unaware that charging an EV at home can cost dramatically less than fueling a comparable gasoline vehicle. Using current national electricity averages, a typical EV owner driving about 12,000 miles annually would spend roughly $715 per year charging at home.

That’s substantially lower than what many SUV and truck owners currently spend on fuel annually, especially with gas prices remaining elevated.

Of course, there are caveats. Installing a Level 2 home charger can cost around $2,000 upfront, and public fast charging remains significantly more expensive than residential electricity rates. Electricity costs also vary heavily depending on where you live. Plus, not everyone who lives in a condo or apartment building has access to home charging

Still, the survey suggests many drivers either underestimate EV savings or don’t trust the numbers.

Charging Access Will Always Matter

The economics aren’t the only issue slowing adoption.

More than 70 percent of respondents said they still don’t have convenient access to EV charging infrastructure. For apartment dwellers, condo owners, and urban drivers without dedicated parking, that challenge remains one of the biggest practical barriers to ownership.

And then there’s affordability.

The survey found that many prospective EV buyers still expect prices far below the current market reality, with the most common expected budget landing at $10,000 or less — a figure that excludes nearly every new EV currently sold in America.

The Industry’s Messaging Problem

The findings point toward a broader problem for the auto industry: consumers may not fully understand what EV ownership actually looks like.

For years, automakers have focused heavily on performance, technology, and environmental messaging. But this survey suggests basic ownership economics may still not be landing with mainstream buyers.

That could become increasingly important as federal EV incentives shrink, competition intensifies, and automakers try to convince hesitant buyers to make the jump.

The irony is that many current EV owners already know the math works in their favor. The challenge now is convincing everyone else.

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