Costco, Ford, And GM Apply Streisand Effect To Electric Vehicles

The recent passage of the federal "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBA) threatens to end the $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles (EVs) as of September 30, a move expected to dampen EV sales momentum in the US. However, this legislative action has inadvertently amplified public interest in EVs, exemplifying the Streisand effect—where attempts to suppress information instead generate widespread attention. Costco, leveraging its 50 million members, has actively promoted awareness of the expiring tax credit and bolstered its EV offerings through its Costco Auto service, which provides a hassle-free car buying experience including incentives that stack with manufacturer rebates and the federal credit until the deadline. Costco’s recent initiatives include new member-only incentives for GM and Volvo EVs and expanded EV buyer guides on its marketplace. Meanwhile, automakers Ford and General Motors (GM) are doubling down on their EV strategies despite the setback posed by the tax credit’s elimination. Both companies initially targeted higher-end electric