RAB Source Entry 2 – Ryan Deonarine

Part I MLA Citation:  

Tyson, Alison Spencer, Stephanie Ross and Alec. “How Americans View Electric Vehicles.” Pew Research Center, 13 July 2023, https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/07/13/how-americans-view-electric-vehicles/. 

Part II Summary:  

In the article “How Americans View Electric Vehicles”, a recent Pew survey estimated that around 38 percent of Americans say they would consider an electric vehicle for their next purchase. But half of U.S. adults say they are unlikely to consider an EV in their next purchase. The writers talk about how to increase these odds the Biden administration has given a more incentive, via tax credits and constraints on emissions, and 8.5% of new car sales are EVs. Though 68% of current hybrid or EV owners would likely consider another EV. According to their survey, the top motivations for buying an electric vehicle include environmental impact at 72%, and fuel savings at 70%. One factor holding people back from buying an electric vehicle, public EV charging infrastructure. We see Tyson touch upon this topic explaining the expectations for future electric vehicle infrastructure. This is why the Biden administration set aside 5 billion dollars to create new network of charging stations. Many Americans, 53%, are not confident that the United States will build the necessary infrastructure. Republicans are especially unsure, 74% lack confidence. By around 2035, plans to phase out gas cars are opposed by 59% of Americans, a position that has intensified in recent years and will continue to. Democrats are more supportive, though at 73% of Republicans are upset by the potential phase out. 

Part III Rhetorical Analysis: 

This is an informative non-fiction piece. The author’s style of writing is very clear and straightforward. This piece is filled with facts, and they focus on accuracy. These writers were heavy on the use of logos. They prioritized using statistics and evidence that is factual and logical. The author’s intended audience would be readers interested in the current environmental issues and how it connects to electric vehicles. They want to inform these readers about the concerns and influence behind these vehicles, they want their audience to understand the complexities of EV adoption with Americans. Given the extreme amount of data, statistics, and differences, the primary target audience for other researchers, policymakers, and environmental advocates. The occasion that this is happening to cause such an article arises is the mass transition from many car manufacturers to electric, in the upcoming years the government plans to have all these car manufacturers transition their new lines of vehicles to electric. Alison Spencer, Stephanie Ross and Alec Tyson the three writers of this piece, are all social and science experts. In addition to that Alec Tyson is a “associate director of research at Pew Research Center, where he studies public views of science and technology and the implications of science for society.” 

Part IV Noticeable Quotes: 

“The idea of phasing out the production of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035 faces more public opposition than support.” (Tyson) 

“Accelerating the transition to EVs is a central part of President Joe Biden’s climate agenda.”(Tyson) 

“Seven-in-ten say helping the environment (72%) and saving money on gas (70%) are major reasons why.”(Tyson)