Biden administration Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg contrasted the “pain” of most Americans driving gasoline-powered cars that are affected by high petroleum prices against the “benefit” for those who can afford expensive electric vehicles during House testimony on Tuesday.
Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) grilled Buttigieg over data showing that electric car owners would not break even on the cost of certain EVs until after driving for over 100,000 miles.
“The more pain we are all experiencing from the high price of gas, the more benefit there is for those who can access electric vehicles,” Buttigieg said.
“So you’re saying the more pain we have, the more benefit we’re gonna get?” Gimenez asked. “I think that’s what I heard you say.”
Buttigieg broke into a fit of laughter. “Of course – no, no, that’s what you heard me say. I know you want me to say it so bad but honestly sir, what we’re saying is we could have no pain at all by making EVs cheaper for everyone.”
Pete Buttigieg is grilled by Rep. Gimenez over the costs associated with buying an electric vehicle:
"The more pain we are all experiencing from the high price of gas, the more benefit there is for those who can access electric vehicles." pic.twitter.com/qmDlkbcjdR
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) July 19, 2022
Gimenez later posted to Twitter, “The Biden Administration’s all-out assault on American energy serves one purpose: it is a deliberate attempt to force electric vehicles onto Americans by hurting you and your paychecks. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told me himself in today’s T&I hearing.”
Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow told Congress in June that spiraling gas prices “didn’t matter” to her because she’s just purchased a new electric car.
According to the most recent figures from December 2021, the average price of an electric vehicle is $56,437, which is around $10,000 higher than the industry average, although this includes both gas and electric cars. As CNBC notes, this is equivalent to “an entry-level luxury car.”
Many buyers also install a “level 2” charger at home, for another upfront cost of $2,000.
