America’s new EV edict
Image: David Zalubowski/AP
The EPA is widely expected to propose new emissions laws later today that would effectively force more than half of all new cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks sold in the US to be electric by the end of this decade.
⚡🚘 The specifics: The new guidelines would reportedly call for 54%–60% of all new US car sales to be EVs by 2030, then rise to 64%–67% by 2032.
But much like Barry Bonds’ home run record, these numbers come with an asterisk: WaPo notes the reported figures represent the most aggressive of several options, and that EPA officials said the most stringent rules may not be the final choice following a period of public comment and analysis over the next few months.
🗣️ Expected comments and analysis: Many proponents of the EPA’s new laws note the transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the US – the world’s second-biggest polluter behind China – and contend that rapidly phasing out gas-powered vehicles for electric models would lead to a dramatic cut in global emissions.
On the other hand, many critics argue the new regulations are far too aggressive, and that the US auto industry won’t be able to ramp up EV production from its current level in time to hit the new targets. 7.2% of all new vehicles sold in Q1 2023 were EVs.
- Some critics also note that mass EV adoption in America hinges on several factors beyond the control of automakers, including insufficient availability of charging stations, as well as a potential looming shortage of raw materials like lithium and nickel needed to produce EV batteries.
📊 Flash poll: How do you feel about the new EPA guidelines that would require at least half of all new vehicles sold in the US to be electric by 2030?
See a 360° view of what media pundits are saying →
Sprinkles from the Left
- Some commentators argue that if the Biden admin wants to dramatically increase the number of EVs sold in America, it should extend the EV tax credit to a wider number of eligible models.
- Others contend that the EPA’s new EV targets would represent a much-needed step towards the US curbing its overall emissions – but it also poses a problem for the domestic auto industry, which would have to rapidly change its business model.
- “Can you afford an EV? Good luck, with so few models eligible for new tax credit” –LA Times Editorial Board
- “Automakers Face Test in Reaching U.S. Target for Electric Vehicles” –Neal E. Boudette, NY Times
- “Overcoming Obstacles to Electric Vehicles: Charging Stations and Lower Prices” –Dr. Steven Cohen, Columbia University
Sprinkles from the Right
- Some commentators argue that the Biden administration’s new EV regulations would represent a draconian and illegal move to effectively ban internal-combustion engines from America entirely.
- Others contend that recent polling shows the vast majority of Americans aren’t planning on buying an EV for their next vehicle, which means the Biden admin’s plan to pump those numbers up over the next few years is doomed to fail from the start.
- “Biden's illegal move to ban vehicle internal combustion engines” –James Rogan, Washington Examiner
- “Americans Aren't Sold on Electric Cars. Biden Wants to Force Automakers to Sell Them Anyway” –Collin Anderson, Washington Free Beacon
- “EVs may be green, but are they sustainable?” –Nolan Finley, Detroit News
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