Texan perspectives on electric vehicles in UH-TSU study

The University of Houston (UH) has revealed that, according to a survey conducted in collaboration with Texas Southern University, electric-powered vehicles have not managed to spark significant enthusiasm among Texans. This information is part of the five-year Texas Trends survey series, a joint initiative by UH’s Hobby School of Public Affairs and TSU’s Barbara Jordan–Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs.

The Texas Trends Survey also explores topics such as education and political preferences. It discloses that 48% of Texans are in favor of tax-funded school vouchers, while 41% support Texas Senate Bill 1. The survey identifies disparities in support based on factors like ethnicity, residence, and political affiliation. In terms of the upcoming Republican primary elections, it appears that 58% of likely voters prefer Donald Trump, with Ron DeSantis securing only 14%. Other candidates lag behind with single-digit percentages. A hypothetical two-candidate race between Trump and DeSantis would see Trump maintaining a significant lead at 66%, compared to DeSantis's 25%, as per the data from the 2023 Texas Trends webpage provided by UH.

Pablo Pinto, director of the Center for Public Policy and distinguished professor at the Hobby School, said: "Looking closer, we found acceptance levels of electric cars tend to differ according to respondents’ ethnicity, income, political affiliation and generation." This statement was reported in a press release by UH Hobby School of Public Affairs.

According to the same source, the Texas Trends Survey also investigates perceptions related to climate change and its impact during the summer heat wave. Approximately 75.8% of Texans perceive the summer of 2023 as hotter than previous years which has led them to adopt various energy-saving measures. Respondents and their acquaintances have experienced health effects related to the heat, indicating rising concerns about extreme weather conditions. Moreover, over half of Texans believe that climate change significantly contributes to extreme weather events. These beliefs, however, vary across generations, political affiliations, and sectors responsible for climate change, thereby showcasing diverse perspectives within the state.