Corey Cantor, Research Director at the Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA), joins us to break down the data behind the electric vehicle (EV) transition in the U.S. We explore how falling battery prices, expanding public charging infrastructure, and landmark policies like the 30D EV tax credit and 45X manufacturing incentives are accelerating EV adoption and reshaping the auto industry. Corey shares insights on shifting consumer perceptions, domestic supply chain investments, and how visibility of chargers directly impacts buyer intent. Whether you're curious about EV market growth, U.S. competitiveness in clean transportation, or the broader electrification ecosystem—from lithium mines to school buses—this conversation is packed with data-driven takeaways and future-forward perspective.
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Takeaways
U.S. EV Sales Grew Despite a Shrinking Auto Market
While the overall U.S. automotive market contracted in 2024, EV sales continued to grow, highlighting strong consumer interest and resilience even in challenging conditions.
EV Battery Prices Have Dropped Nearly 90% Since 2010
This dramatic reduction in lithium-ion battery costs is unlocking new affordability and accelerating adoption across passenger vehicles, commercial fleets, and grid storage.
Charging Station Visibility Boosts EV Purchase Intent
Pew Research data reveals that people living within one mile of a public EV charger are 20% more likely to consider buying an EV, proving that visibility matters as much as access.
Most EV Charging Happens at Home—But DC Fast Charging Still Has a Key Role
With 80% of EV charging occurring at home, the conversation around infrastructure must balance fast charging buildout with scalable, everyday solutions like Level 1 and Level 2 charging.
$190 Billion+ Invested in U.S. EV Supply Chain Since 2020
Corey breaks down how investment in domestic EV manufacturing—spanning critical minerals, battery production, and vehicle assembly—is translating into tens of thousands of American jobs.
Electric School Buses Offer Massive Public Health and Cost Savings Potential
With over 500,000 school buses in the U.S., electrifying this fleet isn’t just an emissions play—it’s a public health and operational cost win for school districts across the country.
Bipartisan Support for EV Manufacturing Is Rising
New polling shows that a majority of U.S. voters—across political lines—support government action to back domestic EV production, signaling long-term policy momentum.
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Chapters
00:00 Intro: The Data Behind the EV Boom
02:00 What Is ZETA and Corey’s Role in the EV Transition
03:30 How Far We've Come: EV Sales Growth Since 2017
06:30 Misunderstood Metrics: EV Growth in a Shrinking Auto Market
08:00 Charging Infrastructure Is Doubling: What the Numbers Show
11:45 Level 1, 2, and Lamppost Chargers: Expanding EV Access Creatively
14:30 Beyond the Car: The Full EV Supply Chain in Focus
17:30 Domestic Battery Manufacturing and the 45X Credit
20:40 Understanding the 30D and 45X Tax Credits
23:20 Top 3 Consumer Barriers to EV Adoption—And How They’re Changing
25:00 Proximity to Chargers Increases EV Interest: The Pew Study
28:30 Visibility Matters: Why People Still Don’t Know Chargers Are Nearby
31:00 Mass Market vs Early Adopters: Why Education Is Critical
33:30 Changing Minds: How Friends, Jobs, and Data Build Support
36:30 $190B+ in EV Supply Chain Investment Since 2020
39:00 Global vs U.S. Policy Approaches: Why Certainty Matters
41:45 What Utilities Bring to the EV Table
44:00 Why Falling Battery Prices Are the Unsung Hero of the EV Boom
47:30 What History Teaches Us About Tech Transitions
51:00 10x Growth in EV Sales Since 2015: It’s Happening Here Too
52:00 The Power of Electric School Buses and Non-Passenger EVs
55:00 EVs in Every Sector: What's Still to Come
56:50 Where to Learn More from Corey and ZETA
58:20 Outro: Optimism, Data, and What’s Driving the EV Shift