The Biden administration has adjusted its approach towards phasing out gasoline-powered vehicles from American roads, acknowledging the slow uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) among consumers. This shift in stance comes with the announcement of revised standards, granting automakers extended timelines to meet emission targets. Under the new guidelines, car manufacturers are tasked with producing a fleet of vehicles aimed at halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2032, reflecting a more pragmatic approach compared to the previous proposal issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a year prior.
The decision to recalibrate expectations stems largely from resistance encountered from the auto industry and its labor unions, traditionally aligned with the Democratic Party. With EVs constituting merely 6% of U.S. vehicle sales and showing signs of stagnation, automakers have responded by scaling back or postponing EV production ventures. Major players like Ford and GM have adjusted their strategies, citing substantial losses and logistical challenges. This hesitance towards EV adoption persists despite a noticeable decline in used EV prices, signaling a persistent gap between early adopters and mainstream consumer sentiment, a divide that continues to impede widespread EV adoption efforts.