The Partisan Divide Stunting Electric Vehicle Adoption in the US

Despite the growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States, a significant partisan divide is holding back the industry's success. This surprising and frustrating development has caught the attention of automaker CEOs, who are perplexed by the politicization of a technology that should be embraced for its environmental and economic benefits.

Powering Past the Political Roadblocks

The Partisan Paradox

The adoption of electric vehicles in the US has been heavily influenced by political affiliations. Between 2012 and 2022, about half of new EVs were sold in the 10% most Democratic counties, according to a recent working paper. While Republicans have become more open to EVs in recent years, Democrats still outpace them in EV purchases, with 45% of Democrats expressing interest compared to just 13% of self-identifying Republicans.This partisan divide can be traced back to the Republican messaging around EVs, which has often tied them to President Joe Biden's pro-clean energy agenda. The Inflation Reduction Act, which provides $369 billion in tax breaks and subsidies for EVs and other clean energy projects, has been a particular target of Republican criticism. As one expert put it, "The Republican is like, 'They're trying to ban gas cars — I'm not going to buy a Biden-mobile.'"

Misconceptions and Misinformation

The partisan nature of the EV debate has been exacerbated by a significant amount of misinformation surrounding the industry. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has noted an "unfortunate massive" amount of misinformation about the challenges and complexities of electrification, including the battery supply chain.This misinformation can be traced back to the early days of the EV industry, when companies like Tesla and Fisker benefited from government loans. Former President Donald Trump has been a vocal critic of EVs, spreading false claims and bizarre hypotheticals, such as a sinking electric boat and the threat of electrocution and vicious sharks. Trump has also repeatedly claimed that recent EPA rules favoring EVs are a "mandate" banning gas-powered cars, a claim that has been debunked.

The CEO Perspective

Automaker CEOs have expressed frustration and surprise at the partisan nature of the EV debate. General Motors CEO Mary Barra told CBS News that she "never thought the propulsion system on a vehicle would be [partisan]," emphasizing that the company is not telling consumers what they have to buy, but rather offering the option of electric vehicles.Rivian's Scaringe echoed this sentiment, stating that there is "no reason electrification should be a partisan issue" and that the politicization of the industry is due to "reasons that don't really make technical sense or logical sense." He believes the partisan divide is rooted in a lack of understanding about the industry's challenges and the battery supply chain.

The Path Forward

Despite the partisan roadblocks, the EV industry remains poised for growth, driven by consumer demand, technological advancements, and government incentives. As automakers continue to invest in and develop new electric models, the challenge will be to overcome the political divide and educate consumers on the benefits of electrification.Ultimately, the success of the EV industry in the US will depend on its ability to transcend partisan politics and appeal to a broad range of consumers, regardless of their political affiliation. By addressing misconceptions, promoting the environmental and economic advantages of EVs, and fostering bipartisan support, the industry can unlock its full potential and drive the transition to a more sustainable transportation future.