The recent rise in oil prices, fuelled by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, is beginning to be felt in many parts of the world. In Los Angeles, the price of petrol has passed the symbolic mark of 5.29 dollars a gallon (3.8 litres), an increase of 45 cents in just 15 days. Brent crude is trading at around $105 a barrel. In France, too, prices are on the rise, and this could well lead to an increase in the number of EVs on the road.
Soaring fuel prices speed up the transition to electric vehicles
In the United States, and California in particular, the first effects could already be visible this month. A AAA survey revealed that 77% of respondents said that saving money on petrol was their main motivation for buying an electric vehicle. A figure that clearly illustrates the unexpected role of fuel in driving the transition.
Sam Abuelsamid, automotive analyst at the telemetry agency, said: « The last time we saw oil prices above $100 a barrel was in early 2022, and that’s when we saw electric vehicle sales really start to pick up in the US », before adding: « We’re likely to see an increase in the adoption of electric vehicles and in particular the adoption of hybrids ».
This trend is confirmed by Brian Maas, President of the California New Car Dealers Assn. Interviewed by the Los Angeles Times, he predicted that enthusiasm for electric vehicles will rise again throughout California if oil prices don’t fall. « If previous spikes in gas prices are any indication, you tend to see interest in more fuel-efficient vehicles, » he said.
And what about France?
In France, the trend is similar, with prices rising significantly between 1 and 11 March 2026: diesel rose from €1.721 per litre to around €1.95, SP95-E10 from €1.723 to €1.85, and SP98 from €1.829 to €1.93. This increase is due to a combination of the rise in the price of Brent crude oil ($105-110), geopolitical tensions in Iran and the EEC tax of 16 to 17 centimes per litre since January 2026.
And the least we can say is that this increase does not please the French. On social networks, they are not hesitating to raise their voices with the keyword #BalanceTonPlein. Now viral, particularly on X, motorists are sharing their bills or their exasperation at the increase in fuel prices.
But will this change anything for the car market? We can’t say for sure, but what we do know is that the price of petrol is an argument that could tip the balance. In fact, according to a Driveco study carried out with Harris Interactive at the end of 2025, around 20% of French people are considering an electric vehicle for their next purchase. For 42% of them, the reason is the difference in running costs between a combustion and an electric vehicle.
In conclusion, it would not be surprising to see sales of electric vehicles rise over the next few months, due to the geopolitical conflicts around the world that are impacting on French people’s wallets.
Buying patterns that could change
Soaring fuel prices are not just a source of frustration. It could also influence purchasing decisions. When the cost of running an internal combustion vehicle rises sharply, electric and hybrid vehicles naturally become more attractive. If oil prices remain high over the coming months, this dynamic could become even more pronounced, both in the United States and in France.
