Summary
- Research shows as the 2024 U.S. presidential election ends, politics plays a lesser role in EV interest
- AutoPacific’s study surveyed Americans on EV interest, with owners being more left-leaning
- Only 8% of Americans reject EVs for political reasons, citing long charging times and high costs as top concerns
- Auto industry CEOs are relieved that EVs are not heavily influenced by political beliefs
- A 2022 poll found bipartisan support for EV-friendly policy, showing a disconnect between politicians and constituents
Article
The 2024 U.S. presidential election saw a decrease in the role of politics in influencing interest in electric vehicles (EVs), according to data from research firm AutoPacific. A study conducted in June 2024 surveyed 12,000 Americans, including EV and plug-in hybrid owners, non-owners interested in EVs, and those who rejected them entirely. Previous studies have shown that owners of these vehicles tend to lean left politically, with a majority identifying as Democrats. However, the gap between Democrats and Republicans shrinks among those who plan to purchase or consider an EV in the future.
AutoPacific’s study also highlighted the reasons why some Americans are not interested in EVs. Surprisingly, political beliefs ranked last among 27 options for not considering an EV. The top concerns included long charging times, lack of charging infrastructure at home or work, and the perceived high cost of buying and operating an EV. Only 8% of respondents cited political beliefs as a reason for rejecting EVs, with a majority of that group identifying as Republicans.
Auto industry CEOs may find relief in the fact that EVs are not being rejected on political grounds, as the push to make EVs a political issue has surprised some executives. Republicans, who have shown resistance to EVs in the past, may want to reconsider their stance on this issue. Despite suggestions from Donald Trump to weaken EV policy, a 2022 poll conducted by an EV advocacy group revealed bipartisan support for EV-friendly policies, indicating that the divide between Republicans and Democrats on this issue may not reflect public opinion accurately.
Many Republicans are puzzled by the shift in attitudes towards EVs, as they were once seen as a symbol of energy independence. The disconnect between politicians’ views and public opinion on EVs has left some questioning when and why the tide turned against them. Even top Republicans have aligned themselves closely with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, indicating a shift in the party’s approach to EVs. With bipartisan support for EV-friendly policies, Republicans may need to reconsider their stance on electric vehicles to stay relevant in the evolving automotive landscape.
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