Automakers criticize Biden’s impractical EV transition plan.
Auto Manufacturers Slam Biden Administration’s Electric Vehicle Push
Auto manufacturers have strongly criticized the Biden administration’s ambitious electric vehicle push, citing several challenges that need to be addressed. These challenges include procuring necessary minerals for the cars from outside the United States and inadequate infrastructure.
Toyota and Stellantis, two major automakers, have described the White House’s goals as “overly optimistic.” The administration aims to have two-thirds of light-duty vehicle sales be electric by 2023.
In comments submitted to the federal government, the automakers stated, “The plan underestimates key challenges, including the scarcity of minerals to make batteries, the fact that these minerals are not mined or refined in the US, the inadequate infrastructure, and the high cost of battery-electric vehicles.”
Currently, plug-in hybrids and battery electric cars make up less than 10 percent of the market. The automakers argue that the proposal discriminates against plug-in hybrids.
Furthermore, the proposal would increase American dependence on China, which dominates the production of rare minerals required for battery production. Toyota criticized the Environmental Protection Agency for relying on a “cursory assessment” of mineral availability when setting its objectives.
While the automakers agree with the objective of reducing carbon emissions, they believe that the administration’s goals are untenable.
In April, President Joe Biden’s Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposal to limit tailpipe emissions, effectively requiring automakers to primarily sell fully electric vehicles. However, experts warn that such a rule could lead to job losses for autoworkers in states like Michigan and Ohio.
Mark DePaoli, a local United Auto Workers official, expressed concerns about the potential job losses, stating, “We’ve dealt with the loss of jobs before through technology, but when you talk about the speed of this, it’s hard to fathom that we won’t lose jobs.”
Despite the White House’s push, a recent survey shows that less than one in five Americans are very likely to choose an electric car as their next vehicle purchase.
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