Gas prices have a $5 tipping point: New research shows when Americans start looking at EVs

(Tiffany Miller for Hyundai) There is a moment at the gas pump when the number staring back at you stops feeling routine.

You expect the total to land somewhere familiar. And then, one day, it doesn’t. Not dramatically higher. Just high enough to feel different. Enough to make you pause before tapping your card.

According to new research from Hyundai Motor America, that moment is not hypothetical. For more than a third of American drivers, it has already happened. And for many, once it does, something shifts that does not quite shift back.

For 42% of Americans, pulling up to a pump now brings frustration or outright dread. Most have made peace with the routine, even if 39% describe their gas spend as “frustrating but expected.”

The experience at the pump hasn’t changed. The emotional weight of it has.

Most drivers have a number in their head where the math shifts. For 23% of those surveyed, $5 per gallon is where they would seriously start considering alternatives to a gas-powered vehicle. Not everyone will be moved by price, and 29% say they would not consider alternatives based on gas costs at all. But for a meaningful share of Americans, the tipping point is specific. It is a number on a sign, and many have seen it before.

More than one-third of Americans surveyed say a recent fill-up has already prompted them to research electric vehicles, and 23% say it has happened more than once.

What comes next is rarely dramatic. Some compare models or brands. Some search online. Some find themselves on an automaker’s website, further along than they expected to be. Most do not act on this impulse right away. But for a growing number, the pump is where the question starts.

The shift is real but uneven. If gas prices rose significantly and stayed high, 46% of those surveyed say they would be likely to seriously research an EV. Yet most Americans are still somewhere between curious and committed.

The pitch for electric vehicles is simple. Never stop for gas again. Nearly half of Americans say they would absolutely take that deal.

The transition is not frictionless. Charging access and range anxiety remain the top concern for 28% of potential buyers, and simple comfort with the status quo runs just as deep.

The desire to leave the pump behind is real. So is everything standing in the way.

The move toward electric vehicles is often framed as a long-term decision made with spreadsheets and incentive calculators, but for many Americans, it begins somewhere smaller. A routine fuel stop. A number that lands differently. A moment of hesitation before the receipt prints.

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Methodology

Hyundai Motor America commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of 1,000 adults throughout the United States. The margin of error is plus or minus 3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. Fieldwork was conducted between April 3 and April 6, 2026.
Atomik Research, part of 4media group, is a creative market research agency.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (woman at gas pump)

SOURCE:
Hyundai

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Last Updated on May 11, 2026 by Daily News Staff

5 Tips for Gardening with Kids

(Feature Impact) Gardening is a simple way to bring families together while simultaneously teaching kids hands-on lessons about nature, responsibility and healthy living. Whether you have a backyard garden, a few containers on the patio or are looking for a starting point, getting your children involved in planting and caring for plants can spark curiosity and create lasting memories.

To get started, consider these family-friendly tips:

1. Start Small

Begin with a manageable project, such as a few containers, a small garden bed or a single planter box. This helps keep the experience fun rather than overwhelming and allows children to see progress quickly.

1. Let Kids Choose the Plants

Giving your children a say in what goes into the garden can help build excitement and a sense of ownership. Ask them to pick a few colorful fruits, vegetables or flowers that grow quickly, such as sunflowers, cherry tomatoes, mint, sugar snap peas or marigolds.

1. Give Them Their Own Space

Kids feel proud when they have something that’s their own. Consider assigning each child a small plot, container or row in the garden. Let them be responsible for watering, planting and checking on their plants.

1. Use Kid-Sized Tools

Little hands typically work best with tools designed just for them. Small watering cans, lightweight trowels and child-sized gloves help kids participate safely and comfortably.

1. Encourage Creativity

Gardens don’t have to be all work. Add some fun to the process by adding artistic touches. Projects such as decorating pots, painting plant markers or creating a fairy or butterfly garden can keep imaginations engaged as well.

From the first tiny sprout to the final harvest, find more family-friendly gardening advice at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

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eLivingtoday.com

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

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Last Updated on May 10, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Room-by-Room Tips for Clutter-Free Spaces

(Feature Impact) A well-organized home isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating systems that make everyday life easier. When everything has a place, it’s simpler to maintain and keep clutter from creeping back in.

Experts often recommend tackling organization one room at a time, sorting items into categories like keep, donate or discard before finding the right storage solutions. If your home could use a refresh, start small and work your way through each space with these organization tips.

Entryway

A dedicated “drop zone” ensures items used daily don’t end up scattered throughout the house. However, the entryway is also one of the easiest places for clutter to pile up. To keep it tidy:

• Install wall hooks for coats, bags and backpacks
• Use a small bench or basket for shoes
• Add a tray or bowl for keys, sunglasses and everyday essentials

Kitchen

One of the most-used rooms in nearly every home, kitchen organization is key to making daily routines smoother. To stay organized:

• Clear unnecessary items off countertops
• Group pantry items by category, such as snacks, baking supplies and canned goods
• Store rarely used appliances in cabinets or a pantry

Living Room

Living rooms often serve many purposes, from relaxing and entertaining to working or studying. The key is creating storage that blends seamlessly with your decor:

• Use decorative baskets for blankets, magazines and toys
• Choose furniture with hidden storage like ottomans or coffee tables
• Keep remotes and small electronics in a designated tray or organizer

Bedroom

Your bedroom should feel like a sanctuary. Too much clutter can make it harder to relax and unwind. To maintain order:

• Keep only essential items on nightstands
• Rotate seasonal clothing to free up closet space
• Use under-bed storage bins for extra linens or off-season clothes

Bathroom

Bathrooms often have limited space, so smart storage solutions are essential:

• Keep countertops clear except for frequently used products
• Separate backup supplies from daily-use items, which should be stored for quick access
• Use over-the-door organizers for towels or extra storage

Home Office

Whether you work remotely or simply manage household tasks, an organized office helps you stay focused. To improve productivity and reduce distractions:

• Digitize or recycle unnecessary paperwork
• Use desk trays and organizers for supplies
• Create labeled folders or a filing system for important documents

Storage Areas

Garages, basements and storage rooms can quickly become catch-all spaces. A little planning can make them much easier to manage:

• Label bins for seasonal decorations, tools or sports equipment
• Use shelving and wall storage to maximize vertical space
• Keep an inventory list for larger storage areas

With a little planning and the right habits, a well-organized home becomes easier to maintain. Find more ideas at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:

eLivingtoday.com

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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