In the industrial heartlands of Ohio and Michigan, voters are expressing concerns and raising questions about President Joe Biden's policy to promote electric vehicles (EVs). The issue has become a key topic of discussion ahead of the November presidential and Senate elections.

Republican allies in the petroleum industry have launched a campaign against Biden's tax credit for EV buyers, claiming it will cost Americans their freedom. Former President Donald Trump has labeled the administration's EV policy as a "radical plan" that would harm the economy in automaking states.

However, it is not just political rhetoric that is fueling skepticism towards EVs. Practical concerns are emerging, particularly regarding charging infrastructure. Jim Cagle, a retired Jeep assembly-line worker from Toledo, Ohio, worries about where he would charge his EV since he parks his car on the street due to the absence of a garage. Cagle expressed his disbelief at the idea of having an electric cord running out to the street.

The Toledo area, which is synonymous with the auto industry, finds itself at the crossroads of the EV debate. As the city transitions from traditional internal combustion engine vehicles to electric power, residents are torn between the economic impact and the practicality of owning an EV.

While some Democrats have advocated for Biden's climate reduction goals and promoted homegrown technology over competition from China, interviews with about 20 voters reveal a more intricate dynamic in Ohio and Michigan. Concerns about the cost of gas and groceries are often deemed more pressing than EVs when it comes to casting their vote.

The issue of EVs has become a matter of contention in these states. Both Ohio and Michigan have a strong automotive presence and are vital swing states in the upcoming elections. Moreover, Toledo is not only a hub for Jeep production but also hosts oil refineries supplying gasoline across the Midwest. The city is home to parts manufacturers for gas and diesel vehicles, further highlighting the complexity of the issue.

As the campaign heats up, it remains to be seen how the concerns and opinions of voters in Ohio and Michigan will impact the trajectory of Biden's EV policy. The practical aspects of owning an EV, such as charging infrastructure and the economic implications for the automotive industry, continue to take center stage in the debates throughout these crucial states.