EV sales stalled in 2026 but not because Americans don’t want them, researcher says
A researcher argues that the 2026 stall in electric vehicle (EV) sales was driven by supply constraints rather than a lack of consumer interest. The analysis suggests that while demand spiked due to rising gas prices, the removal of federal tax credits and production shifts limited the availability of EVs compared to hybrids.
Why it matters
Understanding the factors behind EV adoption rates is critical for policymakers and automotive manufacturers navigating the transition to sustainable transportation.
The data doesn’t support the claim that electric vehicle sales stalled in 2026 because Americans don’t want them
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Within three months of the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, the average price of gasoline for American drivers climbed from US$2.94 to $4.35 a gallon. If there was ever a moment for Americans to switch to electric vehicles , this was it.
From March to May 2026, in fact, sales of hybrid electric vehicles were 18% higher than over the same months in 2025.
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