Stop politicizing EVs. It's not a red or blue thing. We don't need mandates. We don't need media narratives. We don't need to tell American consumers what they must buy (or else!). The more we tell American consumers what they must do, the more resistance the EV industry will face. I've spoken to thousands of EV shoppers and the answer is choice. Allow American consumers to make the decision on what is best for them and their family. Focus on the features, benefits and merits. Allow manufacturers to duke it out in the sandbox of a free market. Period.
Frank Foley
1mo
Where is this EV mandate I keep hearing about? Last I checked Tesla did all this in SPITE of massive federal headwinds, with zero federal rebate/subsidy, and tens of billions in subsidies directed exclusively to Detroit.
Jake Lowney CSP
1mo
I agree we should let the free market decide, but I’m also willing to acknowledge the fundamental role of government in protecting the health, safety and security of its citizens. Energy conservation and reducing air pollution are fundamentally good business decisions. For example, when we stop to learn California relies heavily on foreign oil and spends billions annually on the disease, death and lost productivity caused by air pollution their policies make sense. Oddly, these policies could be perceived to be conservative when put in this context. People will justify their opinions regardless of the facts these days. Take carbon out of the equation and it still pencils. 👍
Anthony Walker
1mo
In principle I agree its not a political thing – or it shouldn't be – and let the best product win! But unfortunately there are clear political agendas and a whole lot of very bad faith misinformation out there about EVs. I'm also personally highly skeptical of the 'free market' in this case. Unless or until we end subsidies to the fossil fuel industry its an inherently tilted playing field. Not what I would have called 'free'. And I also do worry that if we let the market just 'figure it out' in its own time action won't happen quickly enough on climate. Business is incentivized to maximize returns from quarter to quarter, not to think long term and take big risks. Foot dragging tends to be the natural state...
Greg Reed
1mo
Agree wholeheartedly. But the cat is out of the bag - how to reverse this? And doesn't it all depend on trail of money from big oil? Trump has already told the industry the price needed to buy his "loyalty". At least in Asia, the corruption is somewhat hidden.
Kash Olia
1mo
Finally someone said something rational about EVs.
Gabor Nagy
1mo
Agreed. I'm a Tesla-driving, solar-powered tree-hugger, but even I don't think it should be forced on people. The free market is killing gasoline cars on its own.
There can be no free market as long as we have trillions of military dollars being spent on artificially "stabilizing" the MidEast oil supply.
Jason Blair
1mo
If it goes faster, I'm interested. Period.
Douglas Sabo
1mo
I like the slogan Lexus has on its Expo display (at least in Orlando): "As electric as you want to be" (with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric options depending on consumer choice)
Using Data and Analysis to Drive a Sustainable Future
1moI appreciate the sentiment, but I think you are missing who is politicizing EVs and why and have a little too much faith in the "free market" to solve big problems. Every EV sold costs the fossil fuel industry an average of around $20-30k in lifetime revenues. They will use whatever means necessary including calling on the politicians and media operations they heavily fund to spread FUD and attack any policy supporting cleaner vehicles. Also the market can't and won't reduce vehicle emissions without regulations. Even Tesla sales increase emissions because Tesla profits from selling emissions credits to other automakers so they can sell more, bigger, less efficient gas guzzlers. Tesla itself probably wouldn't exist without years of government support and regulations that supported the sale of EVs. Theoretically the market could solve the problem, but that would require taxing vehicles based on the significant externalities they impose on everyone else in society. A tax based on the lifetime emissions of an F150 would push $20k to recover just the externalized climate cost of that purchase. By allowing vehicle buyers a free pass to harm everyone else in society with their choice we are indirectly subsidizing dirty vehicles.