Minnesota Used EV Sales Jump 25% as Drivers Cut Fuel Costs

When gas prices hit $4 a gallon in Minnesota this spring, Pavel Ihnatovich's phone started ringing off the hook. His used electric vehicle dealership in Hopkins suddenly became one of the busiest places in town.

"Sales are double, busier than ever," said Ihnatovich, who owns GS Motors. "Lot of foot traffic, lot of people calling, lot of people coming for test drives and a lot of people buying."

The numbers tell the story. Used EV sales across the country are up more than 25% from last year, according to Cox Automotive. Minnesota's statewide gas average just topped $4 per gallon for the first time in four years, pushing budget-conscious drivers to explore alternatives.

For Betsi Thomas, rising fuel costs meant cutting back on life. She found herself "cutting down on commutes and going out a little bit less" just to afford filling her tank.

But other Minnesotans are doing the math and making the switch. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, drivers who go fully electric save more than $2,000 annually compared to gas vehicles. Even hybrid owners pocket around $1,500 in yearly savings.

The Bright Side

What started as sticker shock at the pump is turning into a green transportation revolution. Used EVs offer an affordable entry point for families who want the environmental and financial benefits of electric driving without the new car price tag.

The used market makes electric vehicles accessible to everyday drivers, not just early adopters with deep pockets. As more people make the switch, they're discovering that going electric doesn't just save money on fuel but also reduces maintenance costs since EVs have fewer moving parts.

Industry experts predict this growth will continue through the end of the year and beyond. As gas prices remain volatile and used EV inventory grows, more drivers are finding that electric makes sense for their wallets and their daily lives.

The transformation is happening one test drive at a time in places like Hopkins, where curious shoppers are becoming happy EV owners.