Fueling Inequality
Gasoline’s Amplified Financial Burden on Black and Latino Communities
Rural Black and Latino drivers in the US who use large amounts of gasoline face large financial burdens that exacerbate existing economic disparities. Electric vehicles can save these families substantial amounts of money and reduce the systemic inequities they face.
US light-duty vehicle drivers in the top 10% of gasoline consumption (“Gasoline Superusers”) comprise 21 million drivers. On average, the nearly 4 million Black and Latino Superusers spend 15.8% and 13.7% of their income on gasoline, respectively, compared to 10.2% for other Superusers.
This report highlights both the hardships of Black and Latino Superusers and the transformative potential of supporting them in switching to EVs.
It shows in granular detail:
- Gasoline burden on minority communities;
- Acute burdens on minority communities for the highest gasoline-consumption drivers;
- Potential alleviation of gasoline burden through electric vehicles;
- Unique challenges to transition to EVs facing Black and Latino Superusers;
- Environmental impact of targeted intervention.
Recommendations include:
Steer EV purchase incentives to Superuser households.
Expand EV charging infrastructure in neighborhoods and regions where Black and Latino Superusers live, work, and commute, addressing barriers to home charging and ensuring accessibility.
Focus EV outreach on communities where Black or Latino Superusers are concentrated, emphasizing financial savings, practical benefits, and environmental impact.
“Gasoline spending is an enormous burden for Black and Latino households who must drive a lot, but there’s also an opportunity here for these drivers to unlock enormous savings by switching to an EV.”
“This report shows the importance of ensuring that Black and Latino people whose circumstances force them to drive more are able to realize the tremendous economic benefits from making the switch to an EV. By addressing the heavy economic burden that high gasoline use imposes on families of color, we can create a more just, inclusive, prosperous and environmentally responsible future.”
“The findings of this report are consistent with the fact that on the whole Black and Latino households hold less wealth and face longer commutes to work. This research underscores the urgent need for policies that help make EVs accessible to Black and Latino Superusers, and advocacy strategies that effectively educate and inform gasoline cost burdened drivers how they can make the switch to EVs. Such work is essential to achieving environmentally sustainable, equitable, and affordable transportation for all.”
Learn More About Superusers:
Coltura’s 2024 report, "Gasoline Superusers 3.0," presented new insights based on a comprehensive nationwide dataset on gasoline consumption in the U.S. The report analyzed geographic, demographic, financial, and vehicle-related data down to the census block group level, offering a detailed view of consumer gasoline use patterns.
It also outlined innovative, data-driven approaches for policymakers and businesses to more effectively reduce gasoline consumption and vehicle emissions. By focusing on Gasoline Superusers, these strategies aimed to deliver faster, more efficient, and more equitable results.
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