Earlier this week, I met with the Wisconsin Automobile and Truck Dealers Association to discuss the impact of electric vehicles (EVs) on the Wisconsin transportation industry. As EVs become more common, it is important to protect consumers’ motor vehicle choices.
However, some states – particularly California – are working to reduce consumer choices in their state and across the country. Recently, the California Air Resource Board voted to effectively ban the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035. Following this announcement, eight more states enacted similar bans.
Consumers deserve more choices in the marketplace, not fewer.
Having gas-powered vehicles remain on the market is critical to maintain competition in the automobile market and ensure all Americans have access to reliable and affordable vehicles. The government should not be in the business of putting their foot on the scale by banning one product in favor of another. A major concern with the proposed ban of gas-powered vehicles is the high cost of EVs. We know that EVs are generally priced higher than gas-powered cars, but in fact, the average price of an EV is about twice the average price of a gas-powered car — $66,997 v. $33,797. For many hard-working Wisconsinites, the high-cost of EVs make them prohibitively expensive.
To ensure every American can choose the car that best suits their needs, this week I was proud to cast a vote in favor of the Preserve Americans' Choice in Purchasing Vehicles Act, which will prevent states from eliminating the sale of gas-powered vehicles.
Cars are essential in our everyday lives. We use them to commute to work, drop children off at school, and travel long distances, which is why Americans deserve a choice of affordable and reliable automobiles. That is why I will continue to fight to protect Americans' right to choose what is best for them and their families.