EUGENE, Ore. – Local car dealerships report that more customers are opting for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids as a way to save money on fuel.

Staff at Sheppard Auto Group in Eugene say that hybrid and electric vehicles now make up over 60% of the dealership’s sales. This trend began in March, following a rise in gas prices attributed to the war in Iran.

“With gas prices going up and the way everything’s been happening, we’re seeing a huge shift of people that are looking for more fuel-efficient options, you know, EVs and hybrids,” said Chris Keown, variable operations director at Sheppard Auto Group.

As of Monday, the average price for regular gas in the state sits at $5.34 a gallon, according to data from the American Automobile Association. For a typical passenger car with a 12- to 16-gallon tank, filling up can cost more than $60 per visit.

Krista Reiman, who started leasing an electric car nine months ago, said the switch was motivated by potential savings. “I thought it was a good opportunity to see if we could save a lot of money on gas. I don’t know exactly how much, but it’s a lot,” Reiman said.

Dealership staff also note that charging stations have become much more accessible, with hundreds now available throughout Lane County and improved charging technology.

“A lot of the vehicles with level 3 charging capability can charge 80% of their battery in anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes,” Keown said. “Some of these cars are approaching the 300-mile range on a full charge, making it a lot more doable for a lot of people,” he said.

Although there was a slight dip in electric vehicle sales toward the end of last year, staff say demand is now higher than ever due to elevated gas prices.

“At the end of the day, fuel economy is a major driving factor of customers looking for a new vehicle,” Keown said.