Affordability and popularity of EVs are soaring despite falsehoods from oil industry lobbyists, a new EDF analysis finds
LAS VEGAS, June 26, 2024 – Nevada elected officials alongside representatives of labor and public health today joined EDF Action, the advocacy partner of Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), to tout the growing cost savings and popularity of electric vehicles (EVs).
As outlined in Environmental Defense Fund’s myth-busting analysis, “Pedal to the Metal,” EVs are gaining speed in terms of price, performance and popularity among consumers. There are 37 EV models available in Nevada for less than the average new vehicle purchase price of $48,000, with 12 models available for less than $35,000. Further, Nevadans can save up to $27,900 on an electric vehicle compared to a gas-powered vehicle over 10 years. The move to EVs is proving to be a jobs and economic engine as good-paying, family-sustaining jobs roll down the line. Recently announced EPA clean car standards are performance-based and technology-neutral and increasingly one of the most cost-effective options as these zero-emission vehicles slash climate pollution and clean our air.
“The future of driving is electric, and that’s a very good thing for every Nevadan,” said David Kieve, president of EDF Action. “President Biden’s clean energy plan has unlocked over $15 billion in private investment in electric vehicle and battery production, which will lead to the creation of more than 12,000 Nevada jobs. If you’re not sure whether your next car, truck, or SUV should be electric, just ask one of the 45,000 people in the state who own them. Ask them whether they miss spending their hard-earned money at the gas pump, or on costly repairs. Ask them if they’ve ever been behind the wheel of anything more fun to drive. Ask them if they appreciate how the more they drive, the more they save. And as more and more charging stations are installed by IBEW members who have completed the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program, more and more Nevadans will have confidence in our electric future.”
“Nevadans want lower costs and to keep their families safe and healthy. Electric vehicles check all these boxes and more – and they help us beat the heat,” said William McCurdy II, vice chairman of the Clark County Commission. “Thanks to President Biden’s clean energy plan, you can get a $7,500 cash-in-hand rebate on a new EV or $4,000 for a used one. And right now, Nevada is on track to receive $38 million from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. This means more charging stations to help drivers stay on the road this summer and beyond. Democrats know our elected officials need to address extreme heat and air quality issues that are made worse by greenhouse gas pollution – nearly a third of which comes from transportation. That’s why the commitment by the Biden administration and Democrats to zero emission clean cars is so important. It helps protect the health of Nevadans by reducing emissions, cleaning up our air, and reducing costs for consumers. This is just another reason why the choice to re-elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris is so clear this November.”
“The era of electric vehicles and the charging infrastructure needed to power it is providing much-needed work for IBEW electricians and utility workers,” said Hunter Stern, assistant business manager of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 1245 in Nevada. “There are over 190,000 public EV charging ports in the U.S. today, with over 900 being installed every week. The public is clearly ready, as is Nevada. The state adopted an aggressive, IBEW-endorsed EV charging infrastructure plan that has already met several of its targets. We are meeting the moment.”
“The serious health harms from transportation-related air pollution call for immediate action,” said Dr. Joanne Leovy, family physician and chair of Nevada Clinicians for Climate Action. “Eliminating the smog and soot from tailpipes can save hundreds of lives in Clark County, and prevent asthma, heart disease, pregnancy-related harms and brain development problems in children. The EPA’s new standards will save Nevada billions of dollars in health expenses and missed work and school. Nevadans will breathe easier as we continue to get electric vehicles on the road.”