ALBANY – According to a new poll commissioned by Coltura, 66% of voters in New York support a policy that would require all new cars sold to be electric by 2030 to reduce air pollution, combat climate change, create jobs, and keep energy dollars in the state. Under such a policy, individuals could still drive, buy, and sell gas-powered cars manufactured before 2030. Just 24% of New York voters oppose the policy.
In September, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation that would effectively ban sales of new internal combustion engine cars and trucks in the Empire State by 2035. This polling demonstrates voter support for an even faster transition to electric vehicles (EVs).
“To achieve significant reductions in carbon emissions, we must address a major source of carbon pollution driving the climate crisis: gas-powered cars, trucks, and SUVs,” said Janelle London, co-executive director of Coltura. “The findings of this poll make clear that the public supports a 2030 target date for phasing out gasoline-powered vehicles. It’s time for elected officials to pass laws that reflect the will of their constituents.”
The survey went deeper to inquire about attitudes towards electric cars, gasoline usage, and the environment. New Yorkers are excited to switch from gas-powered cars to EVs. It found 66% of respondents have a somewhat or very positive opinion of EVs. Of respondents planning to purchase a vehicle in the next five years, 45% said they were likely to buy an EV.
The top two factors influencing New Yorkers’ likelihood of getting an EV were the availability of a federal tax credit of $7,500 and more public charging stations. Most EVs are currently eligible for the federal tax credit, but the Biden administration has proposed increasing the credit to $12,500 for EVs made in America by union labor.
Nationally, 68% of respondents have a positive attitude towards EVs. Black and Hispanic respondents support phasing out gasoline cars by a 2:1 margin. Additionally, 71% of voters aged 18-34 favor phasing out gas cars by 2030.
