SUVs Still Rule The World’s Roads

Three decades ago, drivers began to buy vehicles that were neither pickups nor sedans. These were called sports utility vehicles. Most had four-wheel drive and roomy interiors. Every major car company now has a broad array of these models. And they are gas guzzlers and major polluters. The move to reduce greenhouse gas emissions had not hurt SUV sales. 

Semafor reports, “SUVs accounted for 54% of cars sold globally in 2024, despite predictions that the future belonged to smaller, more environmentally friendly vehicles.” The figure is up from both 2023 and 2022. 

Mercedes EV Count

Mercedes is a case in point. It advertises that it has 13 SUV models sold in the US, ranging in price from $43,000 to $180,000. Some get as few as 14 MPG. GM’s brands have a larger count.

There are no meaningful incentives, at least in the US, to cut EV purchases. They are profitable for car companies and will continue to roll out new models. If anything, the Trump administration is unlikely to force car companies to more fuel-efficient fleets. 

EV tax incentives in the US will disappear soon. As EVs become less attractive, gas-powered SUVs will have less competition.

More from ClimateCrisis 247

• BYD Earnings Crush EV Competition
• Used Tesla Prices Drop $10,000
• Trump Cancels School Bus EV
• Tesla California Market Share Plumments