Contenders for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, including former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, have vocally criticised electric vehicles (EVs) on the campaign trail. Their assertions include viewing EVs as a “hoax,” non-functional, and detrimental to American jobs, claiming they strengthen China’s economy. While EVs have become a common target for Republicans, they are proving to be a significant source of tax revenue and employment in states critical to the 2024 presidential election.
EVs as a source of revenue and employment
The growing importance of EVs is evident as they contribute to tax revenue and employment opportunities in key states. Democratic strategists, including President Joe Biden, recognise this potential and aim to leverage it to garner support before the 2024 vote. Investments in domestic EV and battery manufacturing have reached approximately USD 128 billion since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022, with USD 48 billion occurring in highly competitive states like Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, and Michigan.
Political landscape in key states
States such as Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina play a pivotal role in determining election outcomes. Recent polls indicate a tight race in these states, with both Democrats and Republicans vying for any advantage. Democrats believe that highlighting job creation resulting from their legislation, rather than focusing solely on EVs, could sway independent voters.
Democratic strategy
Democratic strategists recognise the potential impact of EV investments on voters. While Trump leads the race for the Republican 2024 nomination, Biden and Democrats are actively highlighting the IRA’s positive aspects in television ads and campaign visits to manufacturing facilities.
The Role of Clean Energy Advocacy
Clean Energy for America, an advocacy group aligned with Democrats, is running ads in key states such as Michigan, Georgia, and North Carolina. These ads feature workers discussing the benefits of the IRA, aiming to create positive associations between Democratic legislation and job opportunities in the EV sector.
EV Investments and tax credits
The IRA, supported by Biden and congressional Democrats, created tax credits to stimulate domestic EV manufacturing. The tax credit applies to EV purchasers in North America, encouraging the growth of the EV market and incentivising clean energy projects. The emphasis on clean energy aligns with the Biden administration’s broader climate change strategy.
Local impact of EV manufacturing
Since 2015, investments in EV and battery supply chain projects in the US have exceeded $165 billion. The IRA has contributed to these investments, with tax credits for EV purchasers and incentives for clean energy projects. Factors such as cheap land, low power prices, and local tax incentives have attracted projects to battleground states.
Republicans’ concerns and messaging
On the campaign trail, Republicans have expressed concerns about IRA subsidies, viewing them as government overreach. Some Republicans also highlight the dependence on minerals for EV manufacturing, often sourced from China. The anxiety of the United Auto Workers union about potential job losses due to increased automation in EV manufacturing is another concern raised by Republicans.
Complexity in Republican stance
While Republicans at the state level may hold nuanced views, the overall tone of the party, including Trump and DeSantis, tends to oppose EVs. This opposition is often rooted in concerns about job losses, dependence on China, and government intervention. However, individual Republican governors, like Brian Kemp in Georgia, support state-level tax credits for EV manufacturers while opposing the IRA.
As the debate over EVs intensifies in US politics, Democrats aim to capitalise on the positive impact of EV investments on job creation and economic growth. The battle for voter support in key states is likely to focus on how each party’s policies have influenced the burgeoning EV industry, with both sides recognising the electoral significance of this issue in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election.