The US electric vehicle (EV) industry is fervently discussed on Reddit during the first half (H1) of 2024 (01 January – 18 June), with dialogues spanning from the impacts of tariffs on EV prices to strategic moves by leading companies, influencing public perception and market dynamics within the sector. Against this backdrop, Tesla Inc has emerged as the most popular company with 38% share of voice among the EV discussions in the US, reveals the Social Media Analytics Platform of GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
The remaining top-mentioned companies for EV in the US were Toyota Motor Corp, Ford Motor Co, BYD Co Ltd, Hyundai Motor Co, Kia Motors Corporation, Honda Motor Co Ltd, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, AB Volvo, and Rivian Automotive LLC.
Shreyasee Majumder, Social Media Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Reddit users articulated a range of perspectives regarding the tariffs imposed on electric vehicles entering the United States, underscoring concerns about potential price increases and diminished access to affordable EV options from China. On the other side, some redditors expressed optimism that the tariffs might stimulate domestic EV manufacturing and bolster employment opportunities.”
Tesla attracted significant attention on Reddit, led by its financial performance quartering Q1 2024 and the slowing expansion of its Supercharger network. Tesla reported a 9% decline in revenue year-over-year in Q1 2024 results, marking its most substantial drop since 2012. Redditors expressed concern about the company’s decreasing profit margins and speculated on its shift from automotive manufacturing to a tech-centric business model. Additionally, the conversations about the Supercharger network expansion showed mixed opinions. Some users approved of Tesla’s focus on upgrading existing infrastructure and investing in AI, to improve efficiency, capacity and reliability, also integrating AI for better management and user experience. Meanwhile, others worried about its effects on EV adoption and competition from other manufacturers with their own charging networks.
Toyota emerged as the second most mentioned company among Redditors, achieving a 12% share of voice in conversations. This prominence was driven by discussions on Toyota’s lobbying efforts to influence EV adoption and their promotion of hybrid vehicles for CO2 reduction. Redditors expressed mixed opinions, with some criticized Toyota for lobbying for softer emissions standards and others supporting their hybrid strategy as a practical step toward full electrification, sparking significant debate on their environmental approach and long-term vision.
Majumder concludes: “These conversations not only reveal market trends but also showcase the community’s engagement in shaping the future of sustainable transportation.”
