Uneven Roads: State-level variations in consumer benefits and regulations for purchasing and operating EVs

Issues of climate change and the environment have been politically divisive in the United States. Some states have adopted more climate-friendly policies than others. One such policy is promoting the use of electric vehicles (EVs) through offering consumer-based incentives. Consumer benefits and regulations for purchasing and operating EVs play a significant role in encouraging individuals to transition to the use of EVs. Yet, why do some states offer more incentives than others? While a primary justification is the environmental benefit EVs afford in terms of reduced carbon emissions and, consequently, improved quality of life, other political and economic factors also affect decision-making calculus of state governments. The study finds that addressing environmental decay, whether a state has a unified government, and interstate competition in attracting businesses predict the extent to which states pursue consumer benefits and regulations for purchasing and operating EVs.