Khaberni - With the increasing spread of electric cars around the world, which are considered environmentally friendly and economical, a clear gender gap has emerged in owning them, as the data shows that men are more inclined to buy electric cars compared to women, although the latter are more aware of environmental issues.
In an extensive report, the American newspaper "Washington Post" reviewed the real reasons behind this notable global disparity.
A Woman's Experience Reveals the Reality
When American Ashlea Wooten-Chapel bought her first electric car in 2022, she felt she had found the perfect car for her professional and family life; it was the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the electric version of the car her father owned in his youth, saying: I feel like Ford made this car especially for me, as it suits the working mother and saves fuel and maintenance.
However, her enthusiasm collided with a different reality in online electric car enthusiast communities, where she encountered negative comments and overly male interpretations. She then decided to create a special group on Facebook called Mustang Mach-E Girls Club, which now has more than 6500 members, to provide a comfortable space for women to share their experiences and ask questions confidently.
Men Dominate the Electric Car Market
Data from S&P Global Mobility indicates that men in the United States are twice as likely as women to own an electric car, and although men generally make up the majority of car owners, the gap doubles in the electric car category compared to gasoline or hybrid cars.
KC Boyce, vice president of automotive and energy research at Escalent, says: Electric car sales cannot continue to grow if they remain exclusive to men, as women's participation is essential to achieving climate goals and reducing fuel burdens on families.
Economic and Cultural Reasons Behind the Gap
Although women are more interested in climate issues, economic and technical factors favor men, as the higher price of electric cars is more expensive than their gasoline counterparts, and men typically have a higher income that enables them to afford the installments.
Additionally, there is the element of technical risk-taking, as men are more prepared to try new technology, and Jessica Caldwell from Edmunds says: Many women prefer practical purchases, and electric cars are still a completely unfamiliar technology, so they may not yet be considered a realistic option.
There is also the culture of tech-savvy males, as Tesla's rise over the past decade has linked electric cars with the image of a tech-obsessed man and admirer of Elon Musk, making the marketing for electric cars appear masculine.
Advertising targeted at men has also reinforced this perception, such as Arnold Schwarzenegger appearing as Zeus driving an electric car, or marketing campaigns based on power and speed.
Challenges Women Face in the World of Electric Cars
Although the gap has narrowed (from 3 men for every woman 10 years ago to 2 men for every woman today), issues of security and charging infrastructure remain a barrier, says Liv Lee, one of the owners of Ford Mach-E: Some charging stations are located in dark or isolated places, making many women feel unsafe especially at night.
Nika Mendoza, a mother driving an Audi e-tron, adds: For mothers, the idea of looking for a charging station while driving children is incredibly taxing.
Women's Initiatives to Encourage Owning Electric Cars
In response to these concerns, some companies have designed safer charging stations with good lighting and 24-hour security, such as Rove, Ionna, and Electrify America.
Meanwhile, activists have launched community campaigns to empower women like: Mustang Mach-E Girls Club group, @MachEMom account on Instagram, and the I'll Drive What She's Driving campaign that highlights successful models of women who own electric cars.
Kay Campbell from the organization Generation 180 explains: Our goal is to provide a neutral and comfortable space for women to ask questions and hear other women's experiences in the world of electric cars.
Electric cars remain a promising future option for everyone, but the road towards full gender equality in owning them still needs more awareness, security, and inclusive marketing.
