(Autoblog) Nearly 4,000 new-car dealers from all over the United States have sent President Biden a letter to rebuke allegations that they’re to blame for low EV sales and to ask the White House to “tap the brakes on the unrealistic government electric vehicle mandate.” Published online, the letter argues that the real reason why sales of electric vehicles have stalled is that buyers don’t want them for a wide variety of reasons.
It’s not just the usual suspects: Most of the 3,882 dealers who signed the letter distribute brands that have invested a substantial amount of money into developing electric cars. Ford, Kia, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, and even Volvo dealers appear on the list. And, these stores are located all across the nation, including in big EV markets like California (336 dealers), Washington (62 dealers), and New York (167 dealers).
“No government agency, no think tank, and no polling firm knows more about the automobile customer than us. We talk to customers every day. As retail automotive dealerships, we are agnostic as to what we sell. Our business is to provide customers with vehicles that meet the needs of their budgets and lifestyles,” the letter states. What they’ve collectively found is that “the majority of customers” don’t want an EV.
The dealers provide several explanations. One is that customers are concerned about the price of electric cars, which cost significantly more than comparable gasoline-powered models. For context, the 2024 Hyundai Kona carries a base price of $25,435 including destination, while the 2023 Kona Electric starts at $34,885. Charging remains a problem as well: Many motorists don’t have a garage, don’t have easy access to public charging stations, or both, according to the letter. Driving range is an issue, too, especially in hot and/or cold climates, and a lot of drivers find filling up a fuel tank in a few minutes far more convenient than waiting for a battery pack to charge. As for truck shoppers, dealers argue that they’re “put off by the dramatic loss of range while towing” — Ford’s F-150 Lightning loses about 25% of its range when towing.
Last but definitely not least, the letter points out that “many people just want to make their own choice about what vehicle is right for them.”
