During the 2024 presidential race, Donald Trump repeatedly promised oil executives that he would repeal environmental regulations in return for a billion dollars in campaign contributions. While there's no clear accounting of how much they actually gave, whatever they did invest has clearly paid off.Environmental rollbacks, numerous though they've been, are the least of it. Trump's war on Iran provided huge, immediate financial gains. ExxonMobil, the largest U.S. oil major, almost doubled its second quarter profits, from $7.5 billion in 2025 to $14.5 billion in 2026. Chevron, second largest, went from $2.5 billion to over $12.0 billion in the same period, an almost fivefold increase. The oil they sold did not travel through the Strait of Hormuz.Compared
to the rest of the world, Americans have it easy. We're net exporters of all petroleum products, so we're only facing higher prices. Most of the world is dealing with fuel shortages. Africans and Asians also face famine, due to reduced supplies of fertilizers made from natural gas.Many are tempted to throw up their hands in despair and resignation. That would be foolish and irresponsible. We have options, and a moral obligation to exercise them. Fortunately for us, there's no sacrifice whatsoever with one of those options: shifting to electric vehicles (EVs). About 60 percent of Americans think the country is headed in the wrong direction. If just half of them would commit to make their next car an EV, we could be insulated from oil shocks within a decade, breathing cleaner air as a side benefit.An unholy alliance of right wing interests has worked hard to convince the public that EVs are too expensive and too inconvenient. These same brainiacs thought we could defeat Iran in a matter of days. It should be no surprise that the facts tell a very different story.The average transaction price (actual price paid, accounting for all discounts and trade-in values) for a new vehicle in the U.S. in the second quarter was $48,949. Numerous EVs list for far less. New Chevy Bolts are readily available for well under $30,000, among the least expensive vehicles on the market, regardless of powertrain. Toyota and Subaru have finally begun offering competent (well-priced, with decent range and other features) EVs, turning their rabidly loyal fans into potential EV buyers. Many other manufacturers have equally attractive offerings. Of course, used EVs are the best bargains.Initial purchase is just the beginning of affordability. Buying electricity for an EV is like buying gas at $1.10 per gallon, a price which changes only when the utilities commission allows it. There are also no oil, timing belts, and mufflers to change.Contrary to the constant blitz of misinformation, disinformation, and spin (also known as lies), charging is simple and reliable. Most EV owners charge at home or work, using public charging only on road trips. Public charging is being installed at a breakneck pace. On a recent trip to northwestern Ohio, there were at least twice as many DC fast chargers along the route as there were during the same trip a year ago. We found them using PlugShare.com, and each one worked on the first try. Competition among charging providers is fierce; half-baked efforts don't cut it any more.All but a few EVs in today's market have at least 250 mile EPA range, though your mileage may vary. But, with that much range, and the ubiquity of DC fast chargers, you now choose your charging stops based on where you'd like to eat, rather than eating where you need to charge. The car is usually finished charging before you've finished your meal.Elon Musk's political activities have caused many progressives to have second thoughts about EVs. Fortunately, however, Tesla is not a synonym for EV. There are numerous other EVs on the market, many of them better suited for most people (and significantly less expensive) than Teslas. Choosing the right one for your household is mainly a matter of cutting through the lies, overcoming FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt), and making the change. The Blue Ridge EV Club has an active membership dedicated to exactly that goal. You can find us online.
Automotive engineer Dave Erb has developed vehicles using gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, alcohol, methane, electric, and hybrid electric powertrains. He hasn't bought gas since 2019.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Opinion: Tesla is not a synonym for EV, other well-made electric vehicles on the market
