American auto dealers are sending a clear message: forcing EVs onto lots isn’t enough—people have to actually want them.
Over 5,000 auto dealerships across the U.S. have banded together, urging regulators to rethink the strict rules around electric vehicles (EVs) and emissions standards. With EV sales not gaining as much traction as many expected, these dealers argue that the current mandates just don’t align with the realities of today’s market or the challenges of getting people to switch to EVs.
In a recent letter—the third sent to lawmakers within the past year—dealers are calling for a relaxation of regulations tied to emissions and EV sales. They’re hopeful that after the upcoming U.S. presidential election, there will be some changes. Dealers first reached out to President Joe Biden back in November 2023, expressing concerns over EVs piling up on their lots. Another letter followed in early 2024, this time with over 5,000 dealers signing on to push for reform. While some tweaks were made to the EPA’s regulations in April, dealers say it’s still not enough to address the bigger issue.
Even with incentives from automakers and federal subsidies, electric vehicles still make up only 9 percent of all vehicle registrations—a slight bump from 8 percent in previous years. Many customers are still hesitant to embrace EVs. In fact, a recent McKinsey study found that 46 percent of current EV owners are thinking about going back to traditional gas-powered vehicles for their next ride.
Why Are Consumers Hesitant About EVs?
Dealers have outlined several key reasons why people are holding back from jumping on the EV bandwagon:
- Charging Time: It’s no secret that charging an EV takes significantly longer than filling up a gas tank, and that’s a major sticking point.
- Charging Infrastructure: There simply aren’t enough charging stations to make EVs practical for everyone, especially in rural or less-developed areas.
- Battery Replacement Costs: When the battery goes, it’s a serious hit to the wallet. People are concerned about the high cost of replacing an EV battery.
- Cold Weather Performance: EVs aren’t always reliable in colder climates, where battery efficiency can plummet.
- Insurance Premiums: Insuring an EV can cost more than a gas-powered car, which adds to the overall cost of ownership.
- Depreciation: EVs tend to depreciate faster than traditional cars, leaving owners concerned about long-term value.
- High Sticker Prices: Let’s face it—EVs are still expensive, and for many, that high initial cost is a deal-breaker.
“The government may be able to force automakers to build EVs and dealerships to sell them,” the dealers wrote, “but they can’t force Americans to buy them.” They argue that these mandates don’t reflect the current state of EV technology or the charging infrastructure, nor do they align with what consumers are actually looking for in their next vehicle.
Dealers Warn of Backlash if Changes Aren’t Made
The group is warning regulators that without changes, there could be unintended consequences. If EV prices remain high and consumers continue to shy away from them, more people will hold onto their older, less environmentally friendly vehicles for longer. And in the long run, that could end up doing more harm to the environment than good.
Dealers are hopeful that by raising these concerns now, lawmakers will see the need for a more balanced approach to EV mandates—one that takes into account consumer preferences and the current state of EV infrastructure. If not, the push toward electric vehicles may continue to fall short of its potential, leaving both the environment and the economy at risk.
At the end of the day, dealers are on the front lines of the EV revolution. They see firsthand what’s driving people to stick with their gas-powered cars. It’s not that consumers don’t want to go green—it’s that the technology and infrastructure just aren’t there yet. If we want to see EVs truly take off, we need to focus on making them practical and affordable for the average American. Until then, those older gas-guzzlers aren’t going anywhere.
