Granholm’s strategy to boost electric vehicle sales targets the ‘chicken and egg issue’.

Department of Energy Secretary Outlines Plan to​ Boost Electric Vehicle‍ Sales

Department of Energy​ Secretary Jennifer⁣ Granholm recently addressed concerns about ⁤the ⁢high prices and limited availability ⁤of electric vehicles. Speaking before⁢ the House Committee on‌ Science, Space, and Technology, Granholm discussed the department’s⁣ strategy to address these ⁤issues.

“We’re trying to solve the chicken and egg issue by bringing down the price and funding additional electric vehicle charging units in areas where the private sector has yet to build them,” Granholm explained in response to⁣ Rep. Bill Posey’s inquiry.

Tackling Range Anxiety and Expanding Charging Infrastructure

Granholm acknowledged that one of⁢ the main concerns for potential electric vehicle drivers is ⁤the ‍accessibility of ⁢charging stations. To alleviate this “range anxiety,” the Department of Energy is working in collaboration with the ‍Department of Transportation to fund the installation of 500,000 ​additional electric vehicle charging units nationwide.

“We aim to establish charging stations in transportation⁣ corridors and areas where the private sector has not yet invested due​ to low‍ demand,” ⁤Granholm⁣ emphasized.

Biden Administration’s Ambitious ⁢Goals

The Biden administration has proposed⁣ stringent‌ emissions standards for ‌model ‌years ‌2027 to 2032, ⁣with the aim of achieving 67% electric vehicle sales by 2032. However, a recent survey⁤ by Cox Automotive revealed that ⁢electric vehicles currently ‌account for less than⁢ 8% of total new vehicle ⁤sales in 2023.

Investing ‍in Battery Technology and Affordability

Granholm highlighted the ⁢Department of Energy’s commitment to reducing the price of electric vehicles through⁣ research and development in battery technology. She noted that vehicle battery prices have already dropped by 85%⁢ over the past ⁣decade, largely due to DOE research‌ efforts.

Furthermore, Granholm⁤ emphasized the significance of President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which includes rebates of up to $7,500 for electric vehicle purchases. This legislation, passed last year, is the largest climate initiative in United States history.

To⁢ learn more about this topic,‌ click here to read the full article from The Washington Examiner.