We’ve had three U.S. presidents since the first modern electric vehicle (EV) came to market in 2010. Regardless of who sat in the Oval Office, EVs continued to make huge strides in availability, affordability, range and market share across the globe. And the charging infrastructure to support the growing number of EVs on the road continues to expand exponentially. And EV sales are growing in blue, red and purple states because EVs are for everyone. Life-long, self-described “petrol heads” agree.
With the presidential election right around the corner, a sizable amount of misinformation has made its rounds in the media. As you prepare to vote on November 5th, Veloz is here to clear the air on the rhetoric related to going electric. There is a good reason for everyone to choose an EV and ElectricForAll.org has all the tools to help you make an informed decision.
The U.S. is investing in EVs for everyone.
The U.S. is now the top nation for attracting investments in EV and battery manufacturing, surpassing announced investments in China and other countries at the global level. Companies have announced $312 billion in planned investments, up from about $75 billion in 2021.
Earlier research showed that there are now 484 active or planned facilities across 40 states with Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, and Tennessee being the top states benefiting from EV investment. The top two states for new investment in EV-related manufacturing plants are Georgia, which leads the county with over $31 billion in new EV manufacturing investment, and Michigan.
No matter how you look at the numbers, the U.S. is investing in EVs and everyone can benefit.
Going electric is good for jobs.
Research shows labor intensity has increased at U.S. vehicle assembly plants that have fully transitioned to assembling EVs, contrary to previous assumptions. This means we’ll need more people in automotive manufacturing plants — not less — when they retool to make EVs. Another study, which collected data from automakers, parts suppliers and battery manufacturers, and analyzed all the process steps, found that it took many more labor hours to produce an EV than it did to make a gas car.
Outside manufacturing, putting more EVs on the roads creates new job opportunities for installing and maintaining charging infrastructure. These jobs are especially important because they are needed anywhere people drive an EV, creating about 160,000 jobs across the U.S. by 2032.
EVs produce the least amount of pollution. Period.
It’s 100% accurate to say that EVs produce less pollution than gas cars. EVs emit much less pollution over their lifecycle, typically more than 50% lower than gas-powered vehicles. A new vehicle emissions calculator released this year confirms this. As battery technology, manufacturing processes, and electrical grids get cleaner, the lifecycle emissions of EVs will quickly drop even further. By 2025, switching to EVs will save up to 90,000 lives across the U.S. by cleaning up the air.
EV battery recycling is on the rise too with the potential to help the grid by reusing batteries for energy storage EVs and helping to bring down the need for and price of raw materials.
The research clearly shows that no matter what grid you plug into, even a coal-fueled grid like in China, EVs are still less polluting, and that’s cradle-to-grave, from production to recycling.
You can keep your gas-powered car if you want (but why would you?)
No one is coming to take away your gas car. New tailpipe emissions standards will deliver more fuel-efficient options to dealerships across the country that will save you money at the pump. The goal is to have half of new cars in the U.S. be hybrid or all-electric by 2032. You will still be able to buy a gas car if you want one.
EV sales continue to increase year-over-year and EV’s can meet the needs of every American while gas car sales continue to decline. And those who already own an EV are more likely to go electric again. In California, a recent Veloz poll showed that 80% EV owners would purchase another EV and national polls show that almost 90% of EV owners are “likely” or “very likely” to buy an EV as their next car. That’s because as soon as you get behind the wheel of your first EV, you’ll be thrilled at how easy and intuitive it is — just like your gas-powered car, except simpler, quieter and cleaner.
EV prices are falling, there is a strong used EV market, more incentives and rebates are available than ever before, and, with better overall affordability. Why wouldn’t you go electric?
This election, Veloz is leveraging its leadership, 40+ members, communications channels, connections and convening power to overcome EV adoption barriers, help consumers understand the benefits of choosing an EV for their next purchase, and speed up Veloz’s Electric For All vision. We hope you’ll join us in setting the record straight on negative EV rhetoric.
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