‘Huge increase in demand’: High gas prices pushing more drivers to consider EVs

Gas prices are on the rise. How is this affecting electric vehicle sales? CTV Windsor’s Sanjay Maru finds out.

As fuel prices hover near $1.90 per litre at some Windsor stations, local electric vehicle owners and dealers say the cost gap between plugging in and filling up is becoming harder for drivers of gas-powered vehicles to ignore.

For Pino Mastroianni, co-chair of EV Society Windsor-Essex, the rising numbers posted outside gas stations still get his attention — even if his household is largely insulated from them.

“I remember the days, about 14 years ago, when I was driving gas as the primary vehicle,” Mastroianni said.

The conversation comes as gas prices at some Windsor stations hovered near $1.90 per litre Wednesday, with GasBuddy listing Ontario’s average regular price at 186.3 cents per litre.

With prices still moving day to day — and demand typically rising ahead of the summer driving season — analysts say that volatility is expected to remain part of the picture through May.

Mastroianni said he is still concerned for drivers who rely on gas-powered vehicles but feels some relief knowing his family now drives either fully electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids.

“I use more gas cutting my lawn than we do with our primary vehicles which are both pure electric,” he said.

According to Mastroianni, the numbers are especially noticeable for EV owners who charge at home.

He estimates charging at home can be about one-fifth of the price of driving on gas.

“Driving on vacation, it’s at least half the price,” he added.

Mastroianni said cost savings have long been part of the case for switching to electric, alongside environmental benefits. But with gas prices rising again, he believes more drivers are starting to look at EVs through a financial lens.

“This week alone, I’ve known two acquaintances who have bought into their first BEV,” he said.

“One came from a PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), and one just came from a gas car.”

“I think the main reason people buy electric cars are really for the cost savings.”

At Premier Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC in Windsor, general manager Scott Ohler said the recent spike in fuel prices is showing up in customer conversations.

“Adoption rates had stalled a little bit, but since we’ve seen this big spike in fuel prices, there’s been a huge increase in demand and interest in EVs and that’s translating into an increase in sales as well,” said Ohler.

“I think that each time somebody fills their vehicle up, they’re really reminded of just how much the price of gas has gone up. Everybody’s trying to stretch their dollar as far as they can.”

On a 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V parked inside the dealership, the EnerGuide label estimates the vehicle’s annual energy cost at $947, based on 20,000 kilometres of driving per year and electricity priced at 18 cents per kilowatt hour.

By comparison, a gas-powered SUV using 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres would cost about $3,240 per year to fuel at $1.80 per litre.

That puts the estimated difference at roughly $2,300 per year.

Beyond fuel savings, Ohler said dealerships are also having conversations with customers about how EVs drive, what day-to-day charging looks like and whether an electric vehicle fits their lifestyle.

“The savings on fuel is really putting it over the top for people,” Ohler said, adding many of the people coming through the door are not existing EV owners looking to upgrade, but drivers considering electric for the first time.

“We’re seeing more people who are getting into their second and third EV.”

For drivers still relying on gas, the higher prices can have a direct impact on household and work budgets.

Ray Colautti, a Windsor lawyer who frequently travels across Ontario for court cases, said fuel prices affect both his personal travel and professional expenses.

“I drive a lot for work and business. So, I have to pass the cost on to the client which isn’t ideal,” said Colautti, who drives a gas-powered vehicle.

“Even for personal trips, these prices have made me cut back on travel, for sure.”

According to Mastroianni, the market has changed significantly compared to the early days of EV ownership, with more inventory, longer ranges, and lower prices than before.

“Take one for a test drive,” Mastroianni said.

“The dealers have plenty of inventory nowadays. You’ll be surprised how well they drive and how much range will show on the odometer compared to 10 years ago.”

Mastroianni added drivers should research whether an EV fits their needs, rather than assuming the switch is out of reach.

“A lot has changed. Even in the last year, the technology is better, the range is more, the prices are cheaper than ever.”

According to GasWizard.ca, fuel prices in the Windsor are expected to drop by five cents a litre Friday.