One of the biggest selling points for electric vehicles has always been lower fuel costs. Automakers, environmental groups, and EV advocates have spent years telling consumers that driving electric is cheaper than filling up with gasoline. But according to a new survey from Bumper.com, most Americans apparently are not convinced.
The vehicle history and automotive research company surveyed 2,228 Americans in early April and found that nearly two-thirds of respondents do not believe owning an EV would save them money on fuel costs compared with a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle.
According to the survey, 67.4% of respondents said they believed switching to an EV would make “no difference” in what they spend annually on fuel or charging costs. Only 9% believed they would save more than $1,000 per year by driving electric.
Bumper.com reported the following breakdown when respondents were asked how much money they believed an EV would save them annually:
The survey results suggest that many consumers either do not believe EVs are significantly cheaper to operate or do not see enough savings to justify switching away from gasoline vehicles.
That skepticism also appears tied to consumer attitudes toward rising gas prices.
Despite fuel prices remaining elevated in many parts of the country, more than 80% of non-EV owners surveyed said higher gas prices had not increased their interest in electric vehicles.
According to Bumper.com, 80.7% of respondents said rising gas prices had not made them more interested in EVs, while 14.8% said higher fuel costs had increased their interest. Another 4.5% already owned an EV.
The survey also asked respondents whether they planned to buy an EV specifically to avoid paying high gasoline prices. Nearly nine out of 10 said no.
The findings run counter to the long-standing assumption that higher gasoline prices automatically drive consumers toward electric vehicles.
Bumper.com noted that while EVs often cost less to fuel on a per-mile basis, the total ownership picture can vary significantly depending on electricity rates, charging access, driving habits, and purchase price.
The article cited Kelley Blue Book data estimating that the average driver traveling approximately 12,200 miles annually would spend about $715 per year charging an EV at home using current national electricity rates.
However, the report also pointed out several additional costs associated with EV ownership.
According to Bumper.com, installing a Level 2 home charging station can cost roughly $2,000. Public fast charging can also be substantially more expensive than residential charging rates.
The article additionally referenced Kelley Blue Book estimates showing EV repairs can cost approximately 30% more than repairs for gasoline-powered vehicles.
Charging access remains another major concern for consumers.
More than 70% of survey respondents said they do not have convenient access to EV charging stations. Limited charging infrastructure has consistently ranked among the biggest concerns for prospective EV buyers in multiple industry studies over the past several years.
The survey also found that many consumers interested in EVs may underestimate how much electric vehicles currently cost. According to the report, the most common expected purchase price among interested buyers was $10,000 or less, a price range that excludes nearly all new EVs currently available in the United States.
Bumper.com said the findings suggest consumer hesitation toward EVs may involve more than just vehicle pricing or charging infrastructure. The survey indicates many Americans remain unconvinced that electric vehicles provide meaningful real-world financial savings.
The survey was conducted April 3 through April 6, 2026.