Conservative Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), a longtime Tesla owner, takes credit for installing the first electric charging stations on Capitol Hill. Progressive Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) also owns a Tesla, but she is considering switching to a different brand made with union labor. Republican Senator Ted Cruz, known for his conservative stance, is even considering purchasing a Tesla, as his daughters think they’re “cool.”
The rise of EV ownership in Congress does not, however, bridge the partisan divide on Biden’s EV policies, such as tax breaks that House Republicans previously sought to scale back. Former President Donald Trump, a prominent figure in the Republican Party, has also criticized “expensive electric cars.” Nevertheless, the increasing acceptance of EVs among Americans as a whole is evident in Congress.
Ownership of EVs among lawmakers extends beyond ideological lines. While Democrats make up the majority of EV owners in Congress, some prominent progressives, like Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.), still drive hybrid vehicles. Conversely, some Republican lawmakers, such as Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), firmly oppose EV ownership.
The presence of EVs on the Hill allows lawmakers to gain firsthand experience of the challenges faced by potential EV owners, including the lack of charging infrastructure and the high cost of vehicles. The surge in EV sales across the country, with a 65 percent increase in 2022 alone, reflects the growing popularity of battery-powered cars and trucks.
In a survey conducted by E&E News, 106 members of Congress were asked about their EV ownership. Of the respondents, 41 were senators and 65 were House members. Democrats accounted for the majority of EV owners, with 79 members, while Republicans totaled 25, and two members were independents.
While some lawmakers who have not yet made the switch to EVs express concerns regarding charging infrastructure and the suitability of vehicles for their needs, many are proud new EV owners. Representative Massie notes that the presence of Teslas on Capitol Hill has significantly increased compared to a decade ago, when he was one of the few EV owners among lawmakers.
Overall, the ownership of EVs among members of Congress showcases the wider trend of increased acceptance and adoption of Electric Vehicles among Americans. Despite political divisions, EV ownership is becoming more mainstream, and lawmakers are gaining firsthand knowledge of the obstacles faced by potential EV owners.
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