Navigating the Electric Vehicle Landscape in 2026

One in four new vehicles sold worldwide last year was a battery-electric vehicle. That momentum is being driven by several factors, including record-high gasoline prices in 2026 and a growing supply of affordable, low-mileage used EVs coming off lease. If you look around your neighborhood, you’ve probably noticed more vehicles without tailpipes. If you’ve been thinking that your next car might be electric, now is an excellent time to learn more.

The advantages of driving electric are becoming increasingly compelling. According to AAA, fuel costs for an EV in 2025 were about 40% lower than for a hybrid vehicle and roughly one-third the cost of driving an all-wheel-drive SUV. The more you drive, the greater the savings. Someone who drives 20,000 miles a year can save about $150 each month on fuel alone.

The environmental benefits are just as significant. With the average gasoline-powered vehicle in the U.S. getting about 25 miles per gallon, replacing that vehicle with an EV can reduce carbon emissions by approximately 7,100 kilograms of CO₂ each year for a driver covering 20,000 miles annually. According to The Nature Conservancy, transportation accounts for about one-third of the average American's carbon footprint, so switching to an EV is one of the most effective ways to reduce personal greenhouse gas emissions.

EV ownership also offers everyday conveniences. Most drivers charge at home overnight, eliminating routine trips to the gas station. Electric vehicles require no oil changes and have far fewer moving parts than gasoline-powered cars, reducing maintenance and repair costs over time. No transmission. No exhaust system. No muffler. Just a simpler, more efficient way to drive.

So, if EVs offer so many advantages, why has adoption in the United States lagged behind many other parts of the world? For many people, the answer comes down to questions such as:

How long do EV batteries—and the vehicles themselves—last? Today's EV batteries are designed to last for many years, with data showing that modern EVs can remain on the road for decades.
How far can I drive, and how long does charging take? Many current models offer around 300 miles of driving range, and fast chargers can add about 100 miles of range in less than 20 minutes.
Where can I charge? Public charging infrastructure continues to expand rapidly, with more than 16,000 fast-charging ports added last year alone.
What about battery materials and mining? While battery production has environmental impacts, studies consistently find that EVs produce substantially lower lifetime emissions than gasoline-powered vehicles, even when manufacturing is included.
Which EV is the best fit for my lifestyle and budget? You decide!

These are important questions—and understanding the answers can help you decide whether an electric vehicle is the right choice for you.

Join NH Healthy Climate on September 10, 2026, for an informative webinar featuring Jesse Lore, founder of Green Wave Electric Vehicles. You'll learn about the wide variety of EVs now available, hear the latest facts about ownership, charging, costs, and environmental impacts, and have the opportunity to get your questions answered.

Mention NH Healthy Climate when you purchase an EV from Green Wave to receive $300 off your purchase, while NH Healthy Climate gets a $150 donation.