Over 3,700 U.S. auto dealers urge Biden to drop ‘unrealistic’ EV mandate due to low demand, despite incentives
Auto Dealers Urge President Biden to Reconsider Electric Vehicle Mandate
Thousands of American auto dealers are passionately urging President Joe Biden to reconsider his electric vehicle mandate, as consumers remain hesitant to embrace EVs for various reasons.
In a letter addressed to Biden, a group of 3,700 dealerships, representing every major automaker in the U.S., expressed their concerns about the feasibility of the President’s goal to have two-thirds of new cars sold by 2032 be electric.
The dealerships emphasized that while there are appealing options available for those interested in purchasing electric vehicles, the current demand does not match the influx of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) arriving at their lots due to existing regulations. As a result, BEVs are piling up and struggling to find buyers, despite significant price reductions, manufacturer incentives, and government support.
“Mr. President, no one understands the automobile customer better than us – not government agencies, think tanks, or polling firms,” the letter stated. “While some customers are ready for electric vehicles, the majority are simply not prepared to make the switch.”
The dealerships outlined several reasons why consumers are hesitant to embrace electric vehicles, including their high cost, limited access to home and public charging stations, reduced driving range in extreme weather conditions, and significant range loss when towing. They also highlighted the need for reliable charging networks, electric grid stability, and resolution of material sourcing issues.
Mickey Anderson, president and CEO of Baxter Auto Group, which operates dealerships in the Midwest, expressed his concern, stating that dealerships have never experienced such a heavy-handed government intervention.
Watch: Car Dealerships Rally Against Electric Vehicle Mandates
WATCH: @DanaPerino and @BryanLlenas report on car dealerships across the US calling on Biden to stop his administration’s electric vehicle mandates:
“Mr. President, it is time to tap the brakes on the unrealistic government electric vehicle mandate.” pic.twitter.com/Tqx3T5TsXc
— Conservative War Machine (@WarMachineRR) November 28, 2023
Overall, the auto dealerships are urging President Biden to reconsider the electric vehicle mandate, emphasizing the need for more time to address various challenges and allowing consumers to make their own choices when it comes to selecting the right vehicle for their needs.
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Why do dealerships believe that the current charging infrastructure is insufficient for widespread EV adoption?
Sumers are hesitant to embrace EVs. First, they noted that range anxiety remains a major concern, as many potential buyers worry about the limited distance they can travel on a single charge. Additionally, the charging infrastructure is still not widespread enough to provide convenient and accessible charging options for consumers. The dealerships emphasized that without a robust charging network, EVs will continue to be seen as impractical for many potential buyers.
Furthermore, the dealerships highlighted the issue of affordability. While the price of EVs has decreased in recent years, they are still more expensive than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. The letter argued that the majority of consumers are not willing or able to pay the premium price for an EV, especially considering the current economic uncertainty caused by the ongoing pandemic.
In addition, the dealerships expressed concerns about the lack of options in the electric vehicle market. They stated that while some customers may be interested in owning an EV, the current offerings do not meet the diverse needs and preferences of American consumers. There is a demand for a wider range of vehicle types, including SUVs, trucks, and luxury vehicles, in the EV market.
The dealerships also raised concerns about the pressure that the electric vehicle mandate puts on their businesses. They argued that forcing dealerships to sell a certain percentage of EVs by a specific deadline could create an overly competitive market and negatively impact their ability to meet consumer demand for other types of vehicles. This, in turn, could lead to job losses and economic hardships for auto dealers across the country.
The letter concluded by urging President Biden to reconsider the electric vehicle mandate and work with auto dealers to find a more balanced and realistic approach to promoting EV adoption. The dealerships suggested that a gradual transition, with continued advancements in technology and infrastructure, would be more effective in encouraging consumers to embrace EVs voluntarily.
In response to the letter, the White House stated that it recognizes the concerns raised by auto dealers and is committed to working with them to address these issues. While President Biden has not indicated any immediate changes to the electric vehicle mandate, the administration is open to dialogue and collaboration with industry stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to a more sustainable transportation sector.
In conclusion, American auto dealers are urging President Biden to reconsider his electric vehicle mandate, citing consumer hesitancy and practical challenges. While the goal of increasing the adoption of EVs is commendable, it is important to address the concerns raised by dealerships and ensure a balanced and feasible approach to promoting electric vehicles. Collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders will be crucial in achieving a sustainable and successful transition to EVs in the United States.
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