Written by Alan Hoffman, Rivian Chief Policy Officer
The EV industry is at a turning point. U.S. sales are on the rise, with nearly one of every nine new cars sold being electric in the third quarter of 2024.
To better understand car owners’ views and priorities during this critical transition, Rivian commissioned a new research report with Talker News. The survey of 2,000 American car owners (1,000 of which are parents) reveal they share concern for the impact of climate change on future generations and are actively seeking ways to help.
Here’s a snapshot of the findings:
The majority (56%) reported positive effects on the climate are a deciding factor when deliberating which car to buy.
The fact is, climate change and pollution create a significant amount of stress for people when they think about the future they’re building for their children. As a parent myself, I feel it, too. Striking the right balance of supporting both your family and the planet can feel daunting, and many feel they need to compromise to make a meaningful difference. Cars are still a critical tool for many, especially for those with families and active lifestyles. That’s why zero-emission transportation options, like EVs, are so important.
At Rivian, we do more than build EVs. Our vehicles prove that investing in the future of our planet doesn’t mean compromising on experience. When considering what type of car to buy next, respondents cited fuel economy (59%), good gas or electricity range (58%), comfortable legroom (44%), and effective safety features (43%) as their top “must-haves” in a new car. Rivian Gen 2 R1T vehicles with a max pack offer up to an EPA estimated range of up to 420 miles and are also among the safest on the road as rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Our vehicles help people travel efficiently in both comfort and style with the help of the latest in automotive technology that gets better with time through over-the-air updates. And most importantly, our vehicles have less impact on the climate: the carbon footprint of a new R1 across its entire lifecycle (including manufacturing) is significantly lower than its gas-powered peers.
It’s going to take more than changing how we design vehicles to solve the problem of emissions. The full benefits of EVs will only be realized if we reduce the carbon emissions from the energy needed to power them. From helping build a carbon-free grid to supporting wind, solar, and other clean energy projects every time Rivian vehicles charge, we’re all in on helping build a sustainable future.
The results of this research fill us with hope and resolve that car owners share our vision: a vehicle that delivers everyday joy and performance, while also supporting a better future for our kids and the generations to follow. Making the jump to an EV is a meaningful way an individual can be part of a bigger movement to enjoy and explore the world—and to ensure it remains a world worth exploring.
Check out Rivian.com to find your new R1S or R1T today.
© 2026 Rivian
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