In the 2025 and 2026 election cycle, affordability has emerged as a major theme for candidates and a concern amongst the U.S. electorate. Transportation is the second highest average household expense, second only to housing. Where affordable transportation choices exist, they not only save household money but also create connections to economic opportunities.
This October 29th webinar is the second in a two-part series on transportation affordability hosted by the Eno Center for Transportation and will explore personal vehicle affordability. The first in the series will be on October 20th and will address transit affordability.
The panelists will discuss recent trends in vehicle and fueling affordability for both electric and gasoline powered vehicles and how these are impacting transportation access. Increases to the price of gas following the War with Iran has increased the cost of transportation for non-electric vehicle owners. Additionally, the cost to purchase new vehicles has increased, incentivizing consumers to maintain their vehicles for longer lifecycles. Automotive vehicle affordability is important both for domestic drivers and for the competitiveness of US automotive companies in international markets.
Panelists:
- Corey Cantor – Research Director, Zero Emission Transportation Association
- Abbie Olson – Policy Analyst, Atlas Public Policy
- Zohaib Rahim – Senior Manager (Economic & Industry Insights), Cox Automotive
- Matthew Vining – Policy Analyst, Atlas Public Policy
Moderator:
- Grace Truslow – Policy Analyst, Eno Center for Transportation
