Experts say climate change is changing the way we shop and buy cars
Cleaner vehicles will reduce oil demand, which is a key climate change goal supported by the EPA.
According to experts, climate change is the long-term shift in average weather patterns that have come to define the Earth’s local, regional, and global climate.
Symptoms of climate change, such as more frequent and intense extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and warmer ocean temperatures, manifest as changes in precipitation patterns, leading to more severe droughts, floods, and heat waves, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Climate change has also changed the car buying process. Here’s how climate change is changing new car purchases from a variety of sources, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- Consumers are increasingly choosing electric and hybrid vehicles due to concerns about carbon emissions and fuel efficiency. EV sales now account for more than 25% of new vehicle sales in the U.S., up from 2% in 2020.
- Customers increasingly value automakers’ ESG performance. Brands with transparent governance and social responsibility increase consumer trust and influence purchasing decisions.
- Research shows that consumers’ awareness of climate change is correlated with their intention to purchase an EV. Factors such as attitudes, social norms, and perceived behavioral control significantly drive EV adoption.
- Rising temperatures and extreme weather events will impact a vehicle’s air conditioning system, so buyers should consider HVAC efficiency, battery performance in high temperatures, and component longevity.
- The availability of charging networks and green urban infrastructure will greatly influence the choice of consumers who prefer EVs, especially in coastal and urban areas with stricter emissions regulations.
Direct impact on the market
- Buyers will see more hybrid and EV options that reduce carbon emissions.
- The lower running costs of electric vehicles can offset the initial price increase over the life of the vehicle.
- As technology advances, buyers must choose between initial cost, fuel savings, performance, and range.
- Growth in the EV market means increased reliance on developing charging networks.
How regulations affect car purchases
- Cleaner vehicles will reduce oil demand, which is an important climate change goal supported by the EPA.
- The EPA sets greenhouse gas standards for vehicles, forcing automakers to produce cleaner vehicles, leading to an increase in EVs, hybrids, and more fuel-efficient gasoline models in showrooms.
- Regulations are pushing manufacturers to electrify their vehicles, giving buyers more options for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
- Cleaner cars may have higher initial sticker prices, but the EPA emphasizes that while buyers often focus on the purchase price, the cost of ownership may be lower in the long run due to savings in fuel and maintenance.
- Consumer demand, influenced by price, range, and charging capacity, is driving market shifts and some companies are adjusting their EV offerings, demonstrating how climate change goals are aligning with consumer reality.
- The transition to EVs highlights the need for better charging infrastructure, which EPA is considering in parallel with the technology.
This reporting content is supported by multiple funders and partnerships with journalism funding partners.
Erica Van Buren is a climate change reporter for the Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact her at EVanBuren@gannett.com or X: @EricaVanBuren32.
