Twenty-Five Years After 9/11: The More People Change, The More We Stay the Same

Politicians often speak as though the world has been transformed. America is now the world’s largest oil producer. Electric vehicles were growing in popularity. Yet, a closer look suggests underlying realities that shaped 9/11 remain surprisingly intact.

The United States became the world’s largest exporter of petroleum products in 2026, reaching roughly 10.5 million barrels per day. At the same time, as gas prices rose, electric vehicle registrations reached only 7.9% of U.S. auto sales. Before the $7,500 New Clean Vehicle (and $4,000 used) tax credits expired on September 30, 2025 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) jumped to a record 12% of light-duty vehicle sales. By December 2025 and moving into 2026, U.S. EV market share plummeted to just 6%. BEVs went from making up 31% of luxury vehicle sales in Q3 2025 down to 12% in Q3 2026. As a result of President Trump ending these credits, our overwhelming majority of transportation still depends on petroleum. The global economy remains tied to oil and gas much as it was a generation ago.