To buy or not to buy an EV? That's the question consumers are asking

U.S. consumers are paying a lot more to fill up their cars and trucks these days, and the spike in gasoline prices has some debating: Is an electric vehicle right for me?The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline jumped nearly 30 cents in the past week to $4.43, according to AAA. Prices will likely rise even more as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.According to a recent ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll, 15% of U.S. consumers are considering buying an EV because of high gas prices.Robby DeGraff, manager of product and consumer insights at AutoPacific, said now is the right time for consumers to trade in their vehicles for an EV, especially one that's recently come off a lease."You can find a gently used, newer Chevrolet Bolt, Nissan Leaf or even a Tesla Model 3 for not a lot of money," he told ABC News. "Upping one’s budget even slightly brings you into used Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mustang Mach-E, all of which are just enticingly strong products."Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles are seen for sale on a dealership lot on June 24, 2025 in Austin, Texas.Brandon Bell/Getty ImagesDrastic swings in gas prices have previously persuaded motorists to