Rivian and GM CEOs Unite in Concern Over Politicization of Electric Vehicles

The head of Rivian expresses disappointment over the politicization of electric vehicles.

The leaders of both GM and Rivian share similar sentiments, as reflected in their recent statements: both were caught off guard by the contentious political debate surrounding EVs.

During his talk at the Climate Forward event hosted by the New York Times on Thursday, RJ Scaringe, the creator and chief executive of Rivian, expressed his concern by stating, "It's crucial to avoid turning electric vehicles into a political issue, and it's disheartening to see that they've become one."

"Scaringe remarked on the lack of logic in their actions."

Electric vehicles (EVs) have entered the realm of political debate. The upcoming 2024 election features candidates with opposing views on electric vehicles, the validity of climate change research, and the fundamentals of democracy. Trump intends to dismantle existing EV policies. Meanwhile, Harris has shown support for the Green New Deal and played a significant role in the Volkswagen emissions fraud case.

In the recent session of Congress, opposition to electric vehicles has emerged as a stance frequently taken by Republican representatives, extending beyond just the highest ranks of national leadership. However, surveys suggest that this resistance towards EVs among Republicans might be more pronounced in older generations.

In that regard, steering clear of partisan influences, Scaringe suggested that the attractiveness of the concept lies in the fact that regardless of being conservative or liberal, everyone is invested in shaping a more promising future for their children.

When inquired about the divisive nature of electric vehicles among political lines, Scaringe attributed it to the widespread prevalence of incorrect information regarding the shift to electric, which he believes stems from an incomplete grasp of the complexities involved in the battery production process and the enormity of transitioning to electric vehicles.

Scaringe isn't the only one taken aback by the resistance encountered concerning electric vehicles and renewable energy. On Sunday, GM's CEO Mary Barra admitted to Kris Van Cleave in a conversation, "The idea that a vehicle's power source could become a matter of politics never crossed my mind."

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