A perspective on equity in the transition to electric vehicles

Edited by: BERTRAND NEYHOUSE AND YANA PETRI

Since the recent introduction of electric vehicles began in 2008-2010, 80 different electric vehicle models and close to 2 million electric vehicles have been sold in the US. The need to commercialize electric vehicles meant research and policy has so far focused on how to establish the early electric vehicle market. The newness of electric vehicles, their high upfront cost, the need for charging access, and other issues meant equity has been overlooked. As regions progress toward goals of 100% electric vehicle sales, research and policy should consider how to establish a more equitable electric vehicle market so that the benefits of electrification are experienced by all and so that low-income households are not imposed with higher transportation costs.

Editor’s Note (Jan 2025): “…that middle income buyers increased from <5% PEV buyers in 2021 to 7.9% in 2017” under Section “Current state of the electric vehicle market” Paragraph 2 should instead say “…increased from <5% PEV buyers in 2017 to 7.9% in 2021.” We apologize for the typo.

Highlights

1. Electric vehicle buyers are mostly male, high-income, highly educated, homeowners, who have multiple vehicles in their household and have access to charging at home.

2. Electric vehicle model availability is increasing, however most new electric vehicles are luxury vehicles or SUVs which cost more than early models.

3. Incentives for electric vehicles do not incorporate equity in their design, many are received post purchase, and some give more incentives to higher income buyers. 

4. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure is not equitably dispersed and more low-cost charging is needed in lower income residential areas.

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