Some studies and personal accounts suggest that people who own electric vehicles may drive more than those with traditional gasoline-powered cars. One individual reported driving about 10,000 kilometers annually with a conventional car, but after eight years of driving electric, that number increased to around 15,000 kilometers per year—a 50% rise. This increase is often linked to lower trip costs, the enjoyment of driving, and a greater willingness to take longer journeys. Conversations with other electric vehicle owners suggest this pattern is common, though the data is not yet sufficient to make a universal claim. This phenomenon is connected to the rebound effect, a concept in energy consumption where reduced costs for a particular activity can lead to increased use of that activity. This effect has been observed in various studies, including a 2018 report by the European Environment Agency, which found that in Norway, 10 to 20% of trips made by electric vehicles replaced those made by public transport, cycling, or walking. A 2025 study published in Transportation Research Part A by Colin Green and Vegard Østli estimated that electric vehicle ownership could lead to a 10 to 20% increase in the number of car trips, with some of these trips shifting from other modes of transport. However, the study clarifies that this refers to the number of trips, not necessarily the total distance traveled annually. A 2025 study by the Dutch organizations CPB and PBL found that switching to an electric vehicle was associated with an increase in car kilometers, especially on weekends and among urban households. The study compared electric vehicle users with those who were expected to buy one in the future and found no significant decline in walking, cycling, or public transport. However, the estimates for these alternative modes remain uncertain. A 2020 study by the German research institute ZEW found no significant overall rebound effect in its sample. A review of 62 studies on electromobility also highlighted the lack of consistent data tracking before and after vehicle acquisition, urging caution in drawing conclusions. An analysis by the RAC Foundation in July 2025, based on over 1.2 million British technical inspections, found that in 2024, electric vehicles less than three years old had an average annual mileage of about 16,180 kilometers. This was higher than the 12,210 kilometers for petrol cars and slightly lower than the 17,270 kilometers for diesel cars. While this suggests electric vehicles are driven more than petrol cars, the study does not confirm that owners increased their travel after purchasing an electric vehicle—high mileage could have been a reason for choosing electric propulsion in the first place. At the household level, using an electric vehicle for some trips that were previously made with a second gasoline-powered car could increase the total mileage of the first car without increasing the overall travel. However, if electric vehicles lead to fewer short trips by bicycle or on foot, this could have environmental consequences. Personal accounts suggest that additional trips add new kilometers not previously traveled, but not necessarily at the expense of cycling or walking.