WASHINGTON, DC – The Biden Administration has set new ambitious targets for automakers, requiring new cars to achieve an average of 65 miles per gallon within the next eight years. This marks a 33% increase from the current standards, aiming to push the industry towards greater fuel efficiency.
The mandate comes as part of a broader effort to reduce carbon emissions and promote electric vehicle (EV) adoption in the United States. The White House has pledged to have more than half of all new vehicles sold in the country be electric by 2032.
Despite these goals, the administration has faced criticism for the slow progress in rolling out EV charging infrastructure. A recent report revealed that only seven EV charging stations have been built since a $5 billion program was initiated in 2021.
Environmentalists and health campaigners have welcomed the new regulations, which are estimated to save nearly eight billion tons of carbon emissions by the middle of the century. However, the mandate has also sparked backlash from some Red states, with concerns that the rules may impact jobs in the auto industry.
In response to the challenges faced by the EV market, President Biden signed the $1 trillion Inflation Reduction Act, which aims to have 500,000 charging points across the US by 2030. The high cost of EVs and concerns about range and charging infrastructure have contributed to a slower adoption rate compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles.
The battle over electric vehicles is poised to take center stage ahead of the upcoming presidential election. Former President Donald Trump has criticized Biden’s climate policies, including federal support for EVs, promising to reverse them if elected.
As the automotive industry navigates these changes, consumer demands for lower prices, higher ranges, and a better selection of EV models continue to shape the market. With various stakeholders weighing in on the future of transportation, the shift towards electric vehicles remains a contentious issue in the United States.