A New Study On US Attitudes Toward EV Adoption Mirrors GM’s Sustainability Goals – CleanTechnica

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A 2024 study by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago reveals that high prices and limited charging infrastructure are major barriers to electric vehicle (EV) adoption. These findings parallel GM’s sustainability goals projections — the legacy automaker’s professed commitment to an equitable, all-electric future will be more methodical than originally stated, more measured than emergent and trend-setting.

The AP poll results are consistent with General Motors (GM) adjustments to its EV production forecast. Initially targeting the production of approximately 400,000 EVs annually by the end of 2023, GM has now revised this figure to between 200,000 and 250,000 electric vehicle for 2024, citing slower-than-expected demand.

GM’s Sustainability Report provides stakeholders and the public with insights into GM’s sustainability journey. They state that they “aim to achieve an all-electric, zero emissions world while advancing an equitable and inclusive transition to our carbon neutral future.”

The AP study tracks further revisions to GM’s EV transition goals. What GM’s Sustainability Report doesn’t say upfront is that the company is keenly aware of media testimonials that US drivers continue to be open to purchasing EVs but are deterred by cost, range, charging capacity, and a lack of charging stations. Clearly, these are glaring gaps in the overall GM transition to EVs.

The Connections between US Beliefs about the Climate Crisis & their Desire to Drive an EV

At this time, only 1 in 10 US drivers (9%) own or lease an all-electric vehicle. The AP study — which was conducted via online and telephone interviews with 6,265 adults — revealed that 40% of US adults are somewhat likely to consider an EV for their next vehicle, while 46% are unlikely to do so.

The AP poll highlights that younger adults show more inclination towards electric vehicles than older adults, but concerns about cost and range anxiety persist. The report indicates that, similar to 2023, about 6 in 10 Americans cite saving money on gas and vehicle maintenance as reasons to purchase an EV; reducing their personal impact on climate change is a secondary motivator.

When US drivers get to choose between a more expensive US-made EV and a less expensive Chinese model, the majority of Americans report they would purchase the American-made vehicle. This holds true even if the domestic EV is $500, $1,000, $2,000, or $5,000 more than a comparable Chinese vehicle.

Of the US residents who believe that the climate crisis is real and that humans caused it, most are Democrats (93%), but the majority of Republicans also believe it (62%). Former president Donald Trump’s influence on some AP poll respondents was evident, with geographic variations in opinions on EVs, the availability of charging stations, and the Biden-Harris administration’s emphasis on lower emissions EV showing up as statistically significant. Adults who have experienced extreme weather in their communities in the past year are also more likely to believe in climate change.

While most in the US are unwilling to pay a monthly carbon fee on their energy use, more than half say they would support a tax that companies would pay on the carbon they emit—including about three-quarters of Democrats, half of independents, and 40% of Republicans. This attitude is reflected on who the respondents believe should bear the responsibility for climate change. Just 41% say individuals have a lot of responsibility, while corporations (62%) and the federal government (59%) bear the greatest responsibility.

GM’s Sustainability Report has Several Interesting Highlights

GM CEO Mary Barra has also reaffirmed that the transition to EVs will span decades, stating, “We are committed to an all-electric future, but this transformation will happen over decades.” GM now is aiming to offer a fully electric lineup for its light-duty vehicle portfolio by 2035.

Here are some of the key topics that are contained in GM’s Sustainability Report. The language seems optimistic at the same time it has walked back so many of its original and rather grand objectives toward a zero emissions company future. What do you think, gentle readers?

Environmental Action: They company says that they have ambitious climate goals, and they are committed to achieving them. To reach the goal of achieving carbon neutrality in global products and operations by 2040, they plan to continue creating a broad portfolio of EVs and enhancing the sustainability of their supply chain. They acknowledge that they will lead based on their company strengths.

Growing Through Innovation: The company prides itself on its innovations, citing how it had pioneered the first electric starter and also assisted drivers in emergencies with OnStar  advanced software technologies. They now look to Ultium as a driving force to enable their EV strategy and vision of zero emissions.

Moving Together: GM sees its role not just to direct its own company’s transformation but also to bring their workforce and nearly communities on the journey to a safer, all-electric future. They have committed to prove that technology and collaboration, driven by purpose, can help change the world.

Driving Responsible Governance: They acknowledge that leading with integrity is an essential part of working toward an all-electric future that is better for people and the environment. As GM drives impactful change by bringing EVs, mobility and connectivity to the next level, they assure its shareholders and customers that they have processes and policies in place to help guide responsible, ethical action.

Manufacturing Footprint: GM says it is continuing to scale up its EV production footprint. In 2021, they began production at their Factory ZERO Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center, which was retooled into a fully dedicated EV facility to produce a variety of vehicles, including the GMC HUMMER EV Pickup and SUV, the Chevrolet Silverado EV, and the upcoming Cadillac ESCALADE IQ. At Ramos Arizpe Assembly, they started production of the Chevrolet Equinox EV and Chevrolet Blazer EV. In addition to the transformation of five North American assembly plants, they say they are also investing in component, stamping, and propulsion plants to support EV production as they prepare for an all-electric future. Since 2020, GM has announced investments of over $12 billion across various sites in North America and continue to invest in battery cell manufacturing.

Accomplishments toward Scopes 1 and 2 Emissions Reductions:

• Improving energy efficiency by reducing overall energy use by lowering intensity levels and operational loads at their facilities;
• Continuing to explore opportunities for fuel reduction, alternative fuels and new technology, focusing on paint, foundry and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) demand;
• Increasing use of renewable power for electricity globally;
• Finalized the energy sourcing agreements required to secure 100% of the energy needed to power all of their US sites with renewable electricity by end of 2025.

Scope 3 | Products:

• Continuing to expand battery production through Ultium Cells LLC, our JV with LG Energy Solution, that is manufacturing cells for the Ultium Platform;
• Collaborating with Tesla to integrate the North American Charging Standard (NACS) in our EVs, beginning in 2025;
• Investing in home, workplace, and public charging infrastructure in the US and Canada;
• Investing in hydrogen fuel cell technology to reduce the carbon emissions of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles;
• Addressing the barriers to EV ownership in the US through dealership education and engagement.

Supply Chain:

• Inviting Tier I suppliers to sign the GM Supplier Pledge and enhance emissions tracking;
• Monitoring participating global Tier I and Tier II suppliers’ sustainability performance through CDP and EcoVadis;
• Promoting supplier CO2 emission reductions through Manufacture 2030;
• Contractually securing the battery raw materials to support its EV future;
• Continuing its membership of the First Movers Coalition, demonstrating commitments to low-carbon steel, aluminum, concrete and cement, signaling a firm market demand for near-zero materials.