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Many Americans are considering switching to an electric vehicle in the face of rising gasoline prices. Senator John McCain has criticized the move away from fossil fuel vehicles. Joe Manchin, who has said he is “very reluctant” to see the proliferation of battery-powered cars.
Analysts say there has been an increase in interest in electric vehicles (EVs), following the war in Ukraine. This is due to drivers in the US feeling unnerved at the rising gasoline prices. More than $4.30 per gallonAs a result of the conflict as well as the supply chain issues resulting from the pandemic.
Joe Biden has repeatedly championed the growth of the nascent EV market as a way to tackle the climate crisis, with America’s heavy dependency on polluting cars a major source of planet-heating emissions.
Manchin, a centrist Democrat, holds a key swing vote at the US Senate and has ridiculed the idea of phasing-out gasoline and diesel cars.
“I’m very reluctant to go down the path of electric vehicles,” Manchin said at the energy conference CERAWeek, held in Houston. “I’m old enough to remember standing in line in 1974 trying to buy gas – I remember those days. I don’t want to have to be standing in line waiting for a battery for my vehicle, because we’re now dependent on a foreign supply chain, mostly China.”
Manchin, Who has taken more in political donations? from fossil fuel interests than any other senator, also said he has “a hard time understanding” why the federal government would invest in a network of electric car charging stations, as the Biden administration aims to do.
“I’ve read history, and I remember Henry Ford inventing the Model-T, but I sure as hell don’t remember the US government building filling stations,” Manchin said to applause. “The market did that.”
The West Virginia senator’s criticism is ominous for the White House’s hopes of passing major climate legislation this year. The climate elements of the Build Back Better Act, which Manchin’s opposition has so far stalled, included half a trillion dollars in clean energy tax credits as well as major rebates for electric car purchases to drive up their adoption.
Manchin’s comments also come amid renewed consumer interest in EVs Dealers of cars reported itAs some Americans try to get around the volatility of global oil markets, According to a report by, the number of people searching online in search for hybrid and battery-electric vehicles has increased sharply over the past month. EdmundsWebsite for industry analysts and car shopping.
This is a continuation of the broader growth of EVs in recent years “but the major surge in interest of late is certainly more of a reaction to record gas prices sparked by the war in Ukraine”, according to Jessica Caldwell, executive director of insights at Edmunds.
“Anecdotally we are hearing a lot about a greater interest in EVs because of what is going on in Ukraine, but the real test is whether that will last,” said Ed Kim, president of AutoPacific, an auto industry research agency.
Kim stated that US-made parts are used in gas-powered cars. “Joe Manchin represents West Virginia which is dependent upon coal so I believe he has a vested interest in downplaying clean energy,” Kim said.
“Look at what’s happening right now, we are seeing fuel prices we haven’t seen in years because of geopolitical issues. Any measures we take to reduce our reliance on petroleum is good for our economy, our environment and to ensure the country doesn’t come screeching to a halt.”
Analysts expect a similar increase in sales for hybrid and battery-powered vehicles due to recent increases in gasoline prices. Last year, around half a billion electric cars were sold in America. More than 80% increase in 2020, with consumers attracted to a slew of new models such Ford’s Mustang Mach-E and the Telsa Model Y.
Ford and GM, traditional car makers, have made significant investments in the EV marketplace. However, demand is constantly outstripping the supply due to pandemics. This means that electric cars may not be as popular as they once were. “Unfortunately, making an EV purchase is not particularly easy to do right now amid inventory shortages,” said Caldwell.
Owning an electric vehicle is a great idea. far cheaperEVs are cheaper than a gas-powered car due to a lower fuel cost and fewer mechanical problems, but the initial cost of most EVs is usually more than $40,000.
These vehicles are often out-of-reach for low-income Americans who are forced to spend a lot of money to drive to work or take other routine trips.
The Biden administration The goal is for half of all new car sales to be electric by 2030 – last year the total share was around 3% – and industry experts say that major investments will need to be made to hit this target.
“Dependence on oil is funding some of the most brutal regimes in the world today. There’s nothing to suggest any component of an EV would resemble the current national security, environmental and humanitarian cost of oil.” said Nick Nigro, founder of Atlas Public Policy.
“The transition to EVs is inevitable at this point – the timeline is up to consumers and policymakers. The events in Ukraine are a reminder how volatile and destructive a dependence on oil is and that should only accelerate this timeline.”
