Why You Don't See Electric Cars Promoted on TV: The Truth Behind the Scenes

Have you ever wondered why car manufacturers don't promote electric vehicles (EVs) heavily on TV? Despite the recent surge in EV availability, one would think that these manufacturers would bombard us with commercials, showcasing the benefits of electric cars. However, the truth is not as straightforward as it seems. In this article, we'll delve into the reasons behind their lack of aggressive TV advertising for electric cars.

EV Sales Are Strong and Unassailable

Quite simply, the demand for electric cars is robust, and that’s why you don’t see many TV commercials promoting them. When a product sells exceptionally well, there's no need for extensive advertising. According to recent trends, EVs have lengthy waiting lists, indicating that they are highly sought after by consumers. This high demand means that manufacturers don’t need to rely on TV ads to drive sales - they can focus on maintaining quality and meeting the growing demand.

EVs As a No-Brainer: A Hard Sell?

While some of the recent ads from car manufacturers like Chevy, Ford, Honda, and Kia might seem hard-sell, the reality is that the upfront cost of EVs can be a significant barrier. Reports suggest that it often takes more than five years to break even on the higher initial cost compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) or hybrid counterparts. This fact can make it difficult for manufacturers to justify expensive TV advertising campaigns, especially when EVs already have an organic market presence.

Corporate Strategies and Market Tides

Back in 2020, many car manufacturers saw electric vehicles as a side project, not a primary focus. However, with the gradual increase in EV adoption, this stance has changed. Today, leading manufacturers like BMW and other companies are still experimenting with TV ads, but these are often unmemorable and lack the impact of more engaged marketing strategies. Other companies, like Domino's Pizza, Hertz Rental Cars, and a major package delivery service, have embraced electric vehicles due to their practicality and cost-effectiveness. These companies are more likely to promote EVs in their own unique ways, reflecting their brand identity and operational needs.

Why Do Tesla and Others Not Advertise?

Tesla, the leader in electric cars, doesn’t need to advertise because it already sells every car it can produce. In fact, advertisements from Tesla would likely extend waiting lists, a move that would be counterproductive and quite frankly, annoying to customers. For other EV makers, a few TV ads might be seen, but these can be in a similar position. Some of the traditional car dealerships are not enthusiastic about promoting electric cars because their profits come from servicing and maintenance, rather than new car sales. Consequently, they are reluctant to promote low-maintenance EVs that require minimal servicing.

Word of Mouth: The New Marketing Strategy

Instead of relying on traditional advertising, most EVs are sold through word of mouth. EV owners frequently encounter curious individuals asking about their cars in parking lots and other public spaces. This organic sharing of information serves as a powerful marketing tool. For instance, the number of questions I receive on Quora about electric vehicles indicates the widespread interest and curiosity surrounding these cars. My responses often reach millions of people due to Quora's sophisticated algorithm, making word of mouth a substantial factor in driving interest and sales.

So, the next time you wonder why you don’t see electric cars prominently advertised on TV, remember the robust organic demand, the realistic cost factors, and the changing corporate strategies that contribute to this unique marketing landscape. The future of electric cars is exciting, driven not just by commercials but by the growing consumer base and the increasing shift towards sustainable transportation.