Support the fact-based journalism you rely on with a donation to Marketplace today. Give Now!

Why some drivers are still hesitant to go electric

May 17, 2024
EVs, hybrids and plug-in hybrids made up 18% of new vehicle sales in the U.S. in the first quarter of this year. But that share was down slightly from the previous quarter.
Higher sticker price remains a big variable holding drivers back from  buying EVs, said Leah Stokes, an associate professor at UC Santa Barbara.
Patrick T. Fallon/APF via Getty Images

How tariffs compare in the Biden and Trump eras

May 14, 2024
Both used tariffs to support American jobs and industries. But the Biden administration's have been higher and more targeted.
President Biden announced increased tariffs on Chinese products Tuesday. The current administration's levies are higher and more targeted than those under Donald Trump.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

How new China tariffs could affect prices for U.S. business owners, consumers

May 14, 2024
When tariffs increase, costs often go up for business owners, who often then pass some of those increased costs along to consumers.
The Biden administration worries that importing Chinese EVs will hurt U.S. manufacturers, said Howard Gleckman with the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

Tesla laid off almost everyone that built its EV charging network

May 2, 2024
That network is in the process of opening to other car companies, so what does this move mean for drivers — and the industry?
The team behind Tesla's charging network was slashed, even after multiple carmakers announced deals with Tesla to adopt its charging system.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Tesla cuts more than 10% of global workforce as challenges mount

Apr 15, 2024
The electric vehicle maker faces softening demand and intense competition on prices, and earlier price cuts have not sufficiently jolted sales.
Tesla’s deliveries dropped by 8.5% in the first quarter, making it the first decline in four years.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

The Biden administration is worried about Chinese cars — and the electronics that come with them

Feb 29, 2024
The administration says the electronics could transmit sensitive information about U.S citizens and infrastructure. But it's also worried about the impact of Chinese EVs on U.S. automakers.
STR/AFP via Getty Images

Federally funded electric buses are coming to a school near you

Feb 19, 2024
A new federal program is beginning to send electric school buses to schools across the country, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Early adopting districts weigh in on how the new buses are working so far.
Eric Joiner, transportation supervisor for the Ralls County School District, shows reporters the computer that displays range, speed and energy output on an electric school bus on Nov. 20, 2023, in Center, Mo.
Tristen Rouse/St. Louis Public Radio

For public good, not for profit.

Ford is losing money on electric vehicles, but saving money on emissions fines

Feb 7, 2024
For every electric F-150 it sells, it can sell up to 12 gas-powered models and comply with emissions rules. Those rules may be updated.
Ford's electric F-150 Lightning in production. Environmental regulations allow car companies to make few EVs and many gas-powered vehicles, but those rules may be updated.
Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images

Why lithium prices have been on a roller coaster ride

Feb 6, 2024
Just a few years ago, lithium prices surged with expectations that EV demand was going to take off. Now prices are down about 80%.
Two U.S. lithium companies have cut jobs and pulled back their capital spending recently. Above, salt evaporation ponds in California's Mojave Desert, where a company plans to extract lithium from the briny water.
David McNew/Getty Images

Turns out EVs don't like the cold either

Jan 19, 2024
Some EV owners are finding that the batteries don't always perform optimally in the freezing temperatures affecting much of the country.
If you normally get 400 miles out of a full battery charge, there's a chance you might only get 200 or 300 miles depending on the car and how cold it is outside.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images