Distributional concerns and public opinion: EV subsidies in the U.S. and Japan

This paper explores whether perceptions about distributive inequity shape public support for energy transition policies. The introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) is an important policy priority the decarbonization road transportation. Because high sticker prices restrict EV sales, governments offer consumers subsidies. However, some are concerned that subsidies may favor certain groups and industries. Using a conjoint experiment, we examine preference in U.S. Japan.,. In U.S., there concern help high-income (i.e., individual-focused concerns), while prevailing Japan they foreign companies which first movers industry industry-focused concerns). We embed vignette experiment within to prime respondents with individual- distributional concerns. both countries, regardless priming received, our universalistic inclusive luxury/foreign cars more progressively targeted exclusive rich luxury cars) or favoring domestic firms. As such, recent discourse centering on politics does not appear reflect opinion.