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Gas prices are soaring. Should you buy an electric car? Take our quiz
By By Alexandra Tirado Oropeza The Washington Post
Published Oct. 9, 2026
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With gas prices going up, it may seem logical to consider buying an electric car. For many people on the fence, the decision comes down to how an electric car would fit into their lives.
On one hand, it would mean no spending on gas. On the other, the logistics of charging it might be enough of a headache to make them want to say, "No thanks."
Buying a new car is a case-by-case decision. But if you're considering an electric vehicle, looking at these assumptions and scenarios can help you decide whether one is right for you.
You and your family take at least one seven-hour-plus road trip a year. How do you feel about charging along the way?
I'd be comfortable planning a charging stop or two into the trip.
Assuming the trip is 400 to 500 miles long, there might be some extra planning needed if you are driving an EV. There are some electric vehicles that can drive for 400 miles uninterrupted if fully charged. However, a lot of cars will need at least one charging stop. That doesn't mean an EV is impractical - it just means you need to do some extra planning ahead of time to see what charging stations are available along the way, and plan your rest stops accordingly.
I want to make the entire trip without stopping to charge.
Assuming the trip is 400 to 500 miles long, there might be some extra planning needed if you are driving an EV. There are some electric vehicles that can drive for 400 miles uninterrupted if fully charged. However, a lot of cars will need at least one charging stop. That doesn't mean an EV is impractical - it just means you need to do some extra planning ahead of time to see what EV charging stations are available along the way, and plan for a rest stop to do so if needed. - - -
Is having a car that is more environmentally friendly part of the appeal?
Yes, my main hope is to lower my emissions, but worry the battery manufacturing and disposal are just as harmful to the environment.
Our reporter Michael J. Coren, a.k.a. Future Coach, wrote a piece in which he analyzed data and interviewed experts in the field who concluded that even accounting for emissions from extracting added minerals and metals, fossil fuel vehicles still make up roughly twice the emissions of an EV. So if being more environmentally friendly is a deciding factor, an EV could be the right choice for you.
While I do hope an EV is better for the environment, that's not the main basis of my decision.
That's fair, but take note: Fossil fuel vehicles generate roughly twice the emissions of an EV, even accounting for emissions from extracting added minerals and metals. So even if it's not the main appeal, having an EV reduces your impact on the environment.
Do you have charging access in your home?
Yes.
Home charging can definitely make owning an EV more convenient. Before you shop, find out what kind of charging your home can support. Check whether you could use an existing outlet or would need to install charging equipment, what installation could cost and how quickly the setup would charge the EV you're considering.
No.
Not having a charging station at home is not the end of the world, but it does add more things to think about and plan for. Having dependable charging somewhere you frequently spend time, such as your workplace, is a good work-around. What matters is whether you can regularly use the charger, whether you have to pay to park or charge, and whether your schedule gives you enough time to leave the car plugged in.
Are tax incentives part of the reason you are considering EV?
No.
That's good - the federal EV tax credit is unavailable for vehicles bought after Sept. 30, 2025. Building your budget around the price you would actually pay rather than assuming a federal credit will lower it is the right move. Yes.
The federal EV tax credit is unavailable for vehicles bought after Sept. 30, 2025, since President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans eliminated it. It would be better to build your budget around the price you would actually pay rather than assuming a federal credit will lower it.
What are your expectations in terms of EV maintenance costs?
While lower routine maintenance would help, it's not a deciding factor.
The good news is that fully electric vehicles generally require less maintenance, since they don't need engine oil changes, and regenerative braking reduces brake wear. So compared to a gas-fueled vehicle, you probably would be saving money. However, they still need maintenance, and some battery cooling systems require periodic checks.
A big appeal for me is the lower maintenance cost..
The good news is that fully electric vehicles generally require less maintenance since they don't need engine oil changes, and regenerative braking reduces brake wear. So, compared to a gas-fueled vehicle, you probably would be saving money. However, they still need maintenance, and some battery cooling systems require periodic checks.
How would charging costs affect your decision?
Cost is not top of mind for me.
Charging cost depends on a variety of factors, so it's good to be open-minded. But in case you are curious, we did the math in all 50 states and D.C. in July so you can compare. An EV would make sense only if I could assume charging will always cost less than gas.
The truth is, charging cost depends on a variety of factors. EVs can cost less to fuel per mile but not in every situation. The result depends on the vehicles, electricity and gasoline prices, and whether you charge at home or use public chargers. We did the math in all 50 states and D.C. in July so you can compare. Powering a car with gas cost more in nearly every state at that point, and since then prices have risen across the country.
An electric vehicle might be a good fit for you
If you are in the market for an EV, it might fit well with your lifestyle.
You might be happier with another option
Ultimately, buying a car is a personal choice, but you might want to do a little more planning before buying an EV. Hybrid vehicles are good way to get a lot of the benefits from owning an EV without being as dependent on charging. So it might be worth looking into them if you are still thinking of switching from an all-gas vehicle.
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