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Gas Price Spike Steers Shoppers to Used EVs

Cheaper prices from a wave of lease returns are pulling buyers to used models.

Overview

  • Gasoline now averages about $4.44 a gallon nationally, AAA says, which is pushing more drivers to look at electric options.
  • The interest is concentrating in preowned cars as new EV inventory is down about 80,000 units year over year and a federal purchase credit lapsed for many buyers.
  • Cox Automotive reports used EV sales rose 28% in March and 34% in 2025, pointing to steady gains even as new EV sales softened.
  • Prices have slid in the used segment, with 44% of March purchases under $25,000 and the average at $34,653, which lowers the entry cost for first‑time EV owners.
  • Off‑lease returns are swelling supply to roughly 300,000 EVs this year, though limited public charging and older plug standards on many models still deter some shoppers.