EVs vs. Heat Pumps… Why So Political?

Discussion
1

I live in a very conservative state, and I drive an EV and heat my home with a heat pump. Here’s what I’ve noticed:

  • EVs seem to be a target for right-wing criticism.
  • Heat pumps, on the other hand, don’t seem as political—at least, not yet.

People are curious about my heat pump and more open to it than they are to my EV, even though I see them both as modern technologies that help me save money and reduce my environmental impact.

For example:

  • Heat Pump: I spend around $500 a year on electricity now, compared to $3,000 a year I used to spend on propane.
  • EV: I spend about $8 to fill up vs. over $50 with gas (based on estimates since I’ve never owned a gas car).

I know there’s been some anti-heat pump messaging in the Northeast, backed by gas and oil interests, but it doesn’t seem to have taken hold. In fact, heat pump sales have overtaken gas furnaces in the U.S., with over 4.3 million units sold in 2022.

It feels like people are adopting heat pumps based on practical benefits. Meanwhile, EV adoption seems to face more resistance, possibly influenced by political messaging.

What are your thoughts? Why do you think one tech gets politicized while the other doesn’t?

2

There’s definitely some resistance to heat pumps out there, but they already have a larger share of the market.

3

martin said:
There’s definitely some resistance to heat pumps out there, but they already have a larger share of the market.

Feels like we could avoid some of this resistance with creative rebranding. Just like calling it a ‘scallion pancake’ so my kids will eat it, maybe we call them ‘Air Conditioners with Heating.’ Problem solved!

4

@Gabriel
“Not an electric vehicle—it’s a battery vehicle!”

5

Ronald said:
@Gabriel
“Not an electric vehicle—it’s a battery vehicle!”

Or a ‘coal-powered vehicle’ for West Virginia!

6

martin said:
There’s definitely some resistance to heat pumps out there, but they already have a larger share of the market.

There’s skepticism, but if certain political leaders spoke out against them, heat pumps might get politicized too.

7

@Nathan
People remember the old heat pumps that struggled to heat houses, so there’s a bit of a hangover from those days. The technology is much better now, but not everyone knows that.

8

Robert said:
@Nathan
People remember the old heat pumps that struggled to heat houses, so there’s a bit of a hangover from those days. The technology is much better now, but not everyone knows that.

Reminds me of the scene in Red Dead Redemption where the character complains about early cars breaking down. It took a while before infrastructure caught up and made them practical.

9

martin said:
There’s definitely some resistance to heat pumps out there, but they already have a larger share of the market.

People pay for gas in small amounts, but maybe if they got a monthly bill like with electricity, EVs would be more appealing.

10

martin said:
There’s definitely some resistance to heat pumps out there, but they already have a larger share of the market.

People trust heat pumps more now because they know others who’ve used them for years without issues.

11

martin said:
There’s definitely some resistance to heat pumps out there, but they already have a larger share of the market.

Heat pumps bring in more work for local trades—installing, servicing, etc. Maybe that makes them more accepted.

12

@Imani
Not necessarily—it’s mostly the same folks installing furnaces and ACs.

13

martin said:
@Imani
Not necessarily—it’s mostly the same folks installing furnaces and ACs.

True, but the rebates make it easier to convince people to go for the pricier heat pumps, which could mean more jobs overall.

14

@Imani
Fair point! Though, I imagine installers see similar income regardless.

15

Unlike cars, people don’t see their home heating system as part of their identity.

16

kwame said:
Unlike cars, people don’t see their home heating system as part of their identity.

Hey now, don’t insult my impressive heating system!

17

You might like this article: Rooftop solar, electric vehicle, and heat pump adoption in rural areas in the United States.

18

Kenneth said:
You might like this article: Rooftop solar, electric vehicle, and heat pump adoption in rural areas in the United States.

Careful, you’re only encouraging the skeptics!

19

Kenneth said:
You might like this article: Rooftop solar, electric vehicle, and heat pump adoption in rural areas in the United States.

Promoting self-sufficiency with solar might win over some people.

20

Oddly enough, EVs and heat pumps align well with true right-wing ideals, like independence from external fuel sources.