Opinion: Pain at the pump showcases economic benefits of electric vehicles

Americans have seen this cycle before: Gas prices surge, and family budgets feel it almost overnight.

Instability tied to the Iran conflict has rattled global oil markets and sent gasoline prices climbing.

Here in Alabama, the average price of regular unleaded has jumped from about $2.61 per gallon a month ago to roughly $3.49 today, according to AAA. That’s an increase of about 88 cents per gallon, or roughly a 34 percent spike in just one month.

I drive a full-size electric pickup truck that averages about 2 miles per kilowatt-hour, compared to roughly 4 miles per kilowatt-hour for a smaller and more efficient EV. With my home electricity rate around 16 cents per kilowatt-hour, that works out to about 8 cents per mile to drive.

Compare that with a gas-powered full-size SUV that averages about 19 miles per gallon. At roughly $3.49 per gallon, that comes out to about 18 cents per mile to drive. Even though I’m driving a large pickup truck, the cost to fuel it is less than half the cost per mile—and far more predictable.

And fuel is only part of the equation. Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than traditional engines. They don’t require oil changes, exhaust systems or many of the components that often wear out in gas cars. That mechanical simplicity translates into fewer repairs and lower long-term upkeep costs.

Plug it in and drive—while spending less time and money on upkeep.

After more than 20,000 miles on my truck, my routine maintenance has mostly consisted of rotating the tires and refilling windshield washer fluid.

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Another economic advantage for EVs is fuel price stability. While electricity prices can fluctuate, they are far more stable than global oil markets. Charging at home gives families a predictable cost of driving that is insulated from overseas fuel shocks. Electricity is produced here at home, which can really help us unleash American energy.

As an EV owner, I see those savings every month—and they only grow when gas prices spike.

The latest gas price surge should serve as a wake-up call. America cannot control global oil shocks, but it can reduce its exposure to them. EVs give families a way to escape the volatility of the pump while saving money over time.

For policymakers, the lesson is clear: Investments in EV infrastructure, domestic battery manufacturing, and grid modernization are not just environmental initiatives. They are part of building a stronger and more resilient American energy economy.

For drivers, the key takeaway is simple. When gasoline prices spike, the economic advantages of electric vehicles become hard to ignore.

Michael Staley has served as the president of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition since 2020.

About Drive Electric Alabama

Drive Electric Alabama is a statewide education platform dedicated to improving the state through the adoption of electric vehicles. EVs can create Alabama-based jobs, save money and make people’s lives more convenient. Add to that a healthier, cleaner place to live, and you have countless reasons to plug in. Learn more at driveelectricalabama.com.