The meteoric rise in gas prices has finally abated, at least for the time being, but most consumers are left wondering how far the prices will fall, and for how long will it last.

The climb in gasoline prices led many Americans to start thinking about alternatives, like electric cars. The thought process may have also been fueled (no pun intended) by the news reports that the Inflation Reduction Act, the climate and energy package passed on Sunday by the Senate, would give buyers of used electric cars a tax credit. There’s just one problem: even with that tax credit, many of us still can’t afford to buy an electric vehicle, not even a used one.

As the New York Times reported on Monday, high prices are caused by shortages of batteries, of raw materials like lithium and of components like semiconductors. Strong demand for electric vehicles from affluent buyers means that car makers have little incentive to sell cheaper models.

And the demand for so-called cheaper models, like Ford Mach-E series, is so high that manufacturers cannot keep up with the demand. The waiting list is long for cars that do come onto the market. Tesla’s website warns buyers that its popular Model Y, ordered today with a sticker price of $66,000, may not arrive in your driveway until next April. The cheapest Tesla, reportedly, lists for $47,000.

It’s not just electric cars. Hybrids are also in big demand, short supply and with huge sticker prices. A 2022 Toyota Highland Hybrid starts at $39,555, less extras and delivery fee, but be prepared to wait if you want one.

There’s also a big demand for previously owned vehicles. If you bought a new car in 2021, you might be offered more for it than you paid.

All of this tells us that it might be best to hang onto to whatever you are driving today.

And be especially nice to your mechanic.