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As a registered Democrat who lives in southern New Mexico and drives an electric car, I am a strong believer in sustainability. I recharge my car at my solar-powered home, but I have concerns about the state of New Mexico's mandate to have 43 percent of cars sold in our state by 2026. I believe this mandate is not sustainable for consumers or dealerships.
Although my electric vehicle is perfect for driving around the city, I don't feel comfortable taking longer trips due to the lack of convenient charging stations. This is one of the primary reasons why the electric car market hasn't grown as fast as many predicted. In 2023, electric vehicles made up only 7.6 percent of all cars sold in the United States, and in New Mexico, electric vehicles made up less than 5 percent of the same year. Forcing car dealers to ensure that 43 percent of their inventory will be electric vehicles in less than two years will not suddenly increase demand. Instead, it will only drive business to neighboring states like Texas, Arizona, and Colorado, as New Mexicans continue to search for a variety of products.
Other issues with electric vehicles must also be addressed. For example, there is still uncertainty regarding the lifespan of the batteries in these vehicles, and the costs of replacing these batteries can range between $6,500 - $20,000 depending on the pack, size and manufacturer. Furthermore, electric vehicles tend to be heavier than gasoline-powered vehicles, causing more harm to our roads. Meanwhile, we levy a road tax on gasoline, but electric vehicles do not share in the cost.
Rather than penalizing car dealers, I believe we should extend incentives to dealerships for every electric vehicle sold. We should also provide state incentives to consumers who purchase electric vehicles beyond the $7,500 offered by the federal government. There are ways to eventually achieve the desired result without causing hardship to local dealers.
Ultimately, building a clean environment must be sustainable for everyone. Positive reinforcement will always go further than forcing consumers and auto dealers.
Philip San Filippo
Las Cruces
