57% of U.S. Drivers Surveyed Say Rising Gas Prices Influenced Their Growing Interest in EVs

Americans are becoming significantly more optimistic about electric vehicle ownership even as EV adoption slows, according to the HERE-SBD EV Index 2026, released on September 9, 2026. The fourth annual assessment from HERE Technologies and SBD Automotive found that 53% of U.S. drivers surveyed are more open to considering an EV than they were one year ago.

The comprehensive study combines a proprietary EV infrastructure ranking system with consumer survey data to assess EV readiness across the US, Europe and Asia. The findings show that positive perceptions of public charging availability increased sharply, while existing EV owners report high satisfaction and a strong willingness to purchase another electric vehicle.

According to the latest data from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, EV market share in the U.S. reached 5.37% year-to-date in 2026, nearly 3% below the 2025 full-year level. Despite the slowdown, consumer attitudes are moving in a more positive direction.

Among drivers who do not currently own an EV, 10% fewer said they intend to purchase a gasoline-powered vehicle as their next car compared with last year’s survey. The share who would choose an EV if price and specifications were identical increased 8%, while the percentage reporting no barriers to EV adoption doubled from 6% to 12%.

The shift in sentiment comes as EV adoption and charging network expansion remain uneven across the US. Improving consumer confidence could provide an important indication of where the market is headed.

Gas Prices are Not the Whole Story

Volatile fuel costs are influencing EV interest, with 57% of surveyed US drivers saying rising gas prices affected their interest in electric vehicles. Among current EV drivers, that figure rises to nearly eight out of 10.

However, improvements in charging and vehicle technology are increasingly influencing EV consideration. US respondents cited improved EV range and charging speed at 35%, charging infrastructure at 31%, and charging availability at home or work at 29% as important factors increasing their interest.

Charging availability and driving range remain among the three biggest barriers to EV adoption, but concerns about both have declined substantially. The share identifying charging availability as a barrier fell 14% from last year’s report, while concerns about driving range declined 15%.

Infrastructure Progress Eases Consumer Concerns

The EV maturity rankings also show continued infrastructure development across the country. The US added 31,600 public charge points since last year’s Index, representing 13% of the country’s total charge points.

Total charging power increased 47%, rising from 14.1 GW to 20.7 GW. The additional power is helping improve charging performance and reduce charging times for drivers.

As the charging network expands, consumers increasingly believe infrastructure is developing quickly enough to support current demand. Positive perceptions of public charging availability rose from 28% to 47%. In addition, 60% of US respondents expressed confidence that the country can develop the infrastructure necessary to support greater EV adoption.

“This year’s EV index shows Americans are becoming more open to the idea of driving an EV and more confident in the infrastructure needed to support them,” said Robert Fisher, Senior Consulting Manager at SBD Automotive. “While EV uptake may be slowing, the findings suggest continued investment in charging infrastructure is starting to translate into greater consumer confidence. Consumer sentiment often leads purchasing behavior, making confidence an important indicator to watch as the market continues to evolve.”

EV Ownership Proves Its Value

The survey found that Americans increasingly view EVs as a practical purchase. Better value for money emerged as the leading motivation for EV adoption at 31%, followed by better performance at 29% and lower maintenance costs at 29%.

More US respondents also believe EVs cost less to own and operate than those who believe electric vehicles cost more.

The experience of current EV owners further reinforces that perception. Eighty-five percent of EV drivers rate public charging coverage as good or better, a 13% increase from last year.

Many owners also say their actual EV experience has exceeded expectations. Nearly three-quarters report that charging has been better than expected. Seventy-six percent say their vehicle’s range has performed better than expected, while 77% say they would likely replace their current EV with another EV.

The survey also examined consumer attitudes toward foreign and domestic automakers. More than one-third of US drivers said they would consider purchasing a Chinese EV. At the same time, domestic loyalty remains strong, with 76% saying they would likely consider a vehicle from a US automaker. Only 10% said they would not.

The findings indicate that US consumers are becoming more receptive to new EV entrants and technologies, while brand familiarity and trust continue to influence purchasing decisions.

2026 US EV rankings

While consumer sentiment provides one measure of EV readiness, the HERE-SBD rankings show where infrastructure development and EV adoption are progressing together to support long-term market growth.

Delaware ranked first among US states, followed by Washington, D.C., New Jersey, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Delaware and D.C. retained the top two positions, while Connecticut returned to the top five following measured improvements in charge point expansion, charger ratio and EV adoption. Connecticut is also the only state to provide an incentive specifically for used EV ownership.

The rankings continue to demonstrate the strength of EV readiness along the East Coast. A combination of infrastructure investment, EV adoption and supportive policies has helped establish some of the country’s most mature electric vehicle ecosystems in the region.

Alaska was the most improved market, climbing halfway up the rankings following the addition of new chargers and an increase in average charging power. Oklahoma and Utah recorded the next largest improvements.

Iowa recorded one of the largest declines as charging infrastructure failed to keep pace with EV sales. Washington and South Dakota also fell toward the bottom of the rankings, driven by decreases in the number of chargers relative to EVs.

“The latest findings show that confidence in EV ownership is increasingly tied to confidence in the charging experience. Drivers want to know where chargers are located, whether they’re available, how quickly they can charge and how charging fits into everyday journeys,” said Denise Doyle, Chief Product Officer at HERE Technologies. “As EV adoption grows, high-quality location data and real-time charging information will play an increasingly important role in helping drivers make the electric transition with confidence.”

Methodology

The HERE-SBD EV Index 2026 combines two complementary analyses.

The Index rankings assess EV infrastructure and adoption maturity across all 50 US states and Washington, D.C., 30 European countries, 34 Indian states and union territories, and eight Australian states and territories. The methodology analyzes HERE proprietary EV charge point data alongside government and automotive data collected between June 2025 and June 2026.

The consumer survey includes responses from more than 4,000 drivers across the US, Europe, India and Australia. It examines EV perceptions, purchase motivations, ownership experiences and infrastructure readiness. SBD conducted the online survey during June and July 2026.

The HERE-SBD EV Index 2026 and EV perception report provide additional comparisons showing how EV maturity in the US compares with other regions.

HERE Technologies Provides Global Mapping and Technology

HERE Technologies is a global mapping and location technology company. For more than 40 years, HERE has supported innovation for some of the world’s most recognizable companies, beginning with its first digital map in 1985 and continuing today with technology designed for software-defined vehicles.

The company provides a unified map along with products, services and solutions serving multiple industries. HERE’s location technology is designed to reveal opportunities, support progress and enable new possibilities for moving vehicles.

SBD Automotive, A Research and Consulting Leader

SBD Automotive has nearly three decades of automotive expertise, research and consulting experience. The company provides insights designed to help clients make better decisions, grow appeal, optimize cost and risk, and create lifetime value through safer, more secure, sustainable and seamless mobility outcomes worldwide.

EVinfo.net’s Take: The Strait of Hormuz Isn’t Reopening Soon

For American drivers, the message from the global oil market is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore: gasoline prices are likely to remain elevated for some time, and the possibility of a prolonged energy crisis makes driving an electric vehicle more attractive than ever.

The Strait of Hormuz remains heavily constrained as conflict involving the United States and Iran continues. On September 10, vessel traffic through the strategic waterway fell to just seven transits, compared with a 10-day average of 14. No liquefied natural gas tankers exited the strait that day.

On July 13, 2026, CNBC reported the U.S. administration touted 8.5 million barrels of oil transiting Hormuz. But when examining the fine print, this is not at all impressive.

Over 100 ships transited Hormuz daily before the U.S. and Israel launched the war with Iran on February 28. The 8.5 million barrels came from fourteen ships transiting Hormuz, four of which were crude oil tankers.

That matters because the Strait of Hormuz has historically carried roughly 20% of the world’s oil and gas supplies. Current oil flows remain well below pre-conflict levels, while uncertainty surrounding future shipments has added a significant risk premium to global oil prices.

Brent crude has already moved above $100 per barrel, while US gasoline prices have reached record levels for the Labor Day period. The national gasoline average reached approximately $4.15 per gallon around Labor Day, while diesel climbed to roughly $5.90 per gallon.

There is little reason for drivers to assume this will be a short-term spike.

The latest US Energy Information Administration outlook says oil flows from the Middle East are expected to remain constrained through the fourth quarter of 2026. EIA estimates that oil production shut-ins averaged 6.7 million barrels per day in August and expects an average of 5.7 million barrels per day during the fourth quarter.

That creates an energy market where gasoline prices can remain vulnerable to geopolitical events well beyond the immediate crisis.

An April YouGov poll said 53% of Americans oppose the war with Iran.

There Has Never Been a Better Time to Drive Electric

For consumers, the fundamental advantage of an EV is that its energy source is not tied directly to the global oil market. An electric vehicle still requires energy, but electricity can be generated from natural gas, nuclear power, hydroelectricity, wind, solar and other domestic sources. Drivers who charge at home can also avoid making a trip to the gas station and paying whatever price the global petroleum market happens to dictate that day.

The longer the oil crisis continues, the more important that distinction becomes.

EVs also provide something gasoline vehicles cannot: a greater opportunity for consumers to control their transportation energy costs. Home charging can allow drivers to take advantage of lower electricity rates, while solar-equipped households can potentially generate some of the electricity used to power their vehicles.

This is about more than saving money at the pump. The Strait of Hormuz crisis demonstrates how dependent the transportation system remains on a globally traded commodity that can be disrupted thousands of miles away.

Every gasoline vehicle keeps that vulnerability embedded in the transportation system.

Every EV is an opportunity to reduce it.

The US does not control the Strait of Hormuz, the geopolitical relationships surrounding it or the price of crude oil. But American drivers can control how much gasoline they consume.

With oil above $100 per barrel, gasoline prices at record levels and the disruption of Middle Eastern energy flows expected to continue, there may be no better time to rethink what powers the daily commute.

The transition to electric transportation has always been about reducing emissions and improving air quality. Increasingly, it is also about energy security, price stability and giving consumers more control over one of the largest recurring expenses associated with owning a vehicle.

The Strait of Hormuz crisis is another reminder that gasoline dependence comes with a price drivers cannot control, and it’s important to remember a similar crisis could pop up again at any time.

Driving electric can change that.