A recent survey conducted by the highly regarded Pew Research Center reveals that a resounding majority of Americans are opposed to President Biden’s and the Democrats’ plans to eliminate traditional gas-powered vehicles by 2035.
According to the poll, a staggering 59% of Americans reject the notion of phasing out gas cars and trucks, while a mere 21% expressed any enthusiasm for such a policy. These numbers indicate a notable increase in opposition, as just two years ago, 51% of Americans voiced their disapproval—a difference of 8%.
Remarkably, the disapproval is shared across party lines. As the Pew Research Center report highlighted, “over this period of time, support for phasing out gasoline cars and trucks has ticked down among both Democrats and Republicans.”
While 84% of Republicans oppose the phase-out by 2035, only 16% are in favor. Conversely, 64% of Democrats favor the policy, with only 35% opposing it. Furthermore, a substantial 73% of Republicans would be upset by the proposed policy, while merely 20% of Democrats share the same sentiment. Astonishingly, just 7% of Republicans and 37% of Democrats find themselves excited by the prospect of such a phase-down.
Moreover, a significant number of Americans harbor doubts about the feasibility of developing the necessary infrastructure to support a swift transition to electric vehicles.
A meager 17% of U.S. adults are extremely or very confident in the country’s ability to achieve this goal, while 30% express somewhat confidence and a substantial 53% lack confidence altogether.
These poll results emerge against the backdrop of the Biden administration’s persistent efforts, alongside various Democratic-led states, to promote electric vehicle adoption through regulations, and in some cases, outright bans on the future sale of gas-powered cars.
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Defending their stance, the White House asserted in April, “Cars and truck manufacturers have made clear that the future of transportation is electric. The market is moving. As a car enthusiast and self-proclaimed car guy, President Biden is seizing the moment.”
However, critics argue that the Biden administration’s measures encroach upon personal freedoms and limit consumers’ choices.
Myron Ebell, director of the Competitive Enterprise Institute’s Center for Energy and Environment, lamented, “There is still a market that allows drivers to buy the vehicles of their choice, but government coercion is rapidly limiting those choices.”
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) played a pivotal role in this policy push by proposing the most ambitious federal tailpipe emissions standards to date.
The agency’s proposal, if enacted, could result in a staggering 67% of new sedan, crossover, SUV, and light truck purchases being electric by 2032, according to the White House’s projections.
Additionally, the Biden administration aims for up to 50% of bus and garbage truck purchases, 35% of short-haul freight tractor purchases, and 25% of long-haul freight tractor purchases to be electric by the same year.
The EPA’s move follows the reinstatement of California’s authority under the Clean Air Act by the agency in March 2022. This decision allows California to implement its own emission standards and electric vehicle sales mandates, with other states permitted to adopt California’s rules.
Notably, the California Air Resources Board approved regulations in August mandating that all car purchases in the state—leading the nation in annual car sales—must be zero-emissions by 2035.
As of now, 17 states have enacted laws linking their vehicle emissions standards to California’s, meaning that the electric vehicle mandate would impact Americans nationwide. These states, representing over 40% of total U.S. car purchases, have embraced California’s 2035 rule.
Despite the government’s endorsement and ultimate regulations to force electric vehicles, it is essential to consider the current state of the market.
Gas-powered cars accounted for a staggering 93% of all new car sales in 2022, according to a report from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. Furthermore, electric vehicles remain significantly more expensive and less efficient than their gas-powered counterparts.
Kelley Blue Book reported that the average cost of an electric vehicle in 2022 stood at a whopping $64,338, while a compact gas-powered car commanded a far more reasonable $26,101.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Energy revealed that the average range for gasoline vehicles in 2021 reached an impressive 403 miles, compared to the median range of 234 miles for electric vehicles.
The survey results undoubtedly shed light on the significant opposition to the Biden administration’s ambitious plans to phase out gas-powered vehicles by 2035.
As more Americans voice their concerns regarding the feasibility, cost, and limited choices associated with electric vehicles, policymakers must take these viewpoints into account when shaping the future of transportation in the United States.
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