In Pennsylvania, the type of car you drive may say more about your politics than your lifestyle. A sweeping analysis of over 11 million vehicle registrations—sourced from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation as of April 2025—reveals a striking correlation between political leanings and automotive choices across ZIP codes.
Statewide, Teslas—especially the top-selling EV in Pennsylvania—are most frequently registered in heavily Democratic areas. But notably, over half of those Teslas are models from 2023 or earlier, predating Elon Musk’s vocal support for the Trump administration.
On the flip side, American-made pickup trucks dominate in strongly Republican ZIP codes. Ford trucks, in particular, reign supreme in conservative cities and suburbs—not just in rural pockets—reflecting a broader affinity for domestic brands among GOP-leaning consumers.
When it comes to broader brand preferences, the divide remains pronounced. In Democratic strongholds, roughly two-thirds of passenger vehicles are from foreign brands, compared to just one-third in Republican areas.
Some brands, however, transcend the partisan split. Jeep—an American brand owned by a multinational—and Subaru, a Japanese brand, enjoy popularity almost equally across both liberal and conservative regions.
Experts say these patterns aren’t merely about aesthetics or performance—economic incentives and cultural alignment play a big role. Political factors like expiring EV tax credits, import tariffs, and incentives for U.S.-assembled vehicles cast a growing influence over consumer decisions.
Meanwhile, Tesla owners are in the crosshairs of political debate amid Elon Musk’s polarizing political affiliations. As the Keystone State continues to sway between the parties in national elections, even our garage choices are becoming political statements.
Whether it's the blow of a pickup’s roar or the quiet hum of an EV, Pennsylvania's roads are more ideologically divided than ever.