Used EV sales charge up on high gas prices, even as new EV demand declines

As gas prices soared in California last month, Irvine resident Marc Tan realized his Mercedes SUV was getting too expensive to refuel.

He decided to save money at the pump and purchased a used Tesla last month.

"I had to trade in my SUV, " said Tan, who works as a nurse. "It was just too expensive."

Tan has bought two electric vehicles this year to avoid relying on gas while driving his kids to school and activities.

As the war in Iran squeezes the global oil supply, fuel prices have increased sharply across the U.S. Average prices in California climbed to nearly $6 per gallon, according to AAA, while national prices were slightly above $4. Gas prices in California have risen 30% since the start of the year, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The trend has driven renewed interest in electric vehicles, and those looking to save money on gas are also trying to save money on their cars by buying pre-owned vehicles.

New EV sales are still declining following blows to the industry from the Trump administration, but used EVs are bucking that trend because they look more affordable now relative to new cars and used gas-powered cars.

Used EV sales increased more than 20% year over year in the first quarter of 2026, according to data from Cox Automotive.

Used electric vehicles now cost around the same as used traditional cars and often offer better value, experts said.

"The high gas prices are getting people to look at what their options are, and the wheels are starting to spin," said Jessica Caldwell, an auto analyst at Edmunds. "You can get a pretty nice used EV for under $25,000, which is not easy to do on the market at large," including electric and gas cars.

Electric vehicles depreciate in value faster than traditional cars, meaning buyers can get a good deal on a used EV that hasn't been on the road for long.

Used EVs are typically less than four years old and equipped with modern technology such as driver assistance, heated seats and Apple CarPlay. A wave of them is hitting the market as they come off lease from 2023, a year of heightened EV enthusiasm and new models.

While former President Biden was in office in 2023, the federal government heavily incentivized the transition to electric vehicles.

"It's not surprising that the used EV market is starting to accelerate, because it was about three or four years ago that the new one started accelerating," said Mark Schirmer, director of industry insights at Cox Automotive. "We're starting to get a better variety, better choice and better price points."

Used EVs also tend to have lower mileage than their gas counterparts and therefore better value, Schirmer said, because EV drivers don't use them for long road trips to avoid having to stop and charge.

Used electric vehicle sales increased 25% in the first quarter this year, according to Cox. New electric vehicle sales were down 26% in February from a year earlier.

The EV industry has faced setbacks recently as the Trump administration pares back EV incentives and dealership requirements, including eliminating a California ban on new gas-powered car sales by 2035.

In response, major automakers such as Ford, Hyundai and Stellantis have cut their EV offerings.

EV sales crashed following the September expiration of a $7,500 tax credit for new EVs and a $4,000 credit for used ones.

"There's no premium you have to pay for an EV in the used market," said iSeeCars.com analyst Karl Brauer. "Value is huge for used buyers, and when gas prices are going up, that becomes a focus."

On social media, car shoppers and recent EV buyers are sharing their reasons for making the switch to electric.

"Not having to deal with the ups and downs of gas prices is one of the benefits of owning an EV," one Reddit user wrote last month.

Another Reddit user said it cost them $1.59 total to charge their Ford Mustang Mach-E for six hours, reaching a battery level of 90%.

In California, the appeal of a new or used EV is twofold - gas prices are especially high, and charging infrastructure is more developed than in many other states. Although electricity rates are increasing in the state, many residents are turning to solar power to source their own energy for their cars and homes.

Data show that more people are shopping for EVs even if they haven't made purchases yet.

Cars.com saw a 25% increase in searches for used EVs from the end of February to the end of March, and a 23% increase in searches for new EVs.

"I don't see how else you can get a vehicle that's as new, as reliable, as safe and as affordable as used electric vehicle," auto analyst Brian Moody said. "Add to that the current gas prices, and it's a no-brainer."

Tesla's were the most commonly searched for vehicle among used EVs on the site, according to Cars.com data.

Tesla sales have stumbled over the past year, hurt by industry challenges and reputation damage after Elon Musk involved himself in politics. Many alienated Tesla owners sold their vehicles in protest, leading to an influx of them on the used market, and therefore lower prices.

Tesla was dethroned early this year by Chinese automaker BYD as the largest EV seller in the world, but for many Californians, Musk's signature vehicles are still an obvious choice. They come with an extensive super charging network and widespread service centers. They also offer "Full Self-Drive" mode, which appeals to many shoppers despite coming under regulatory scrutiny.

Tan, who bought two Teslas this year as gas prices have shot up, said he's satisfied with his purchases.

"To me, Teslas are the most safe and reliable," Tan said. "Gas has been absolutely too expensive."

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This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 8:03 AM.