Automakers Avoiding EV Promises

author: FutureCar Staff    

Automakers are facing a contradiction in their stance on electric vehicles (EVs). Despite their claims of support for EVs in advertisements and public statements, automakers are now trying to prevent the implementation of new federal standards that would facilitate the transition to EVs.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new tailpipe emissions standards that would reduce pollution from new vehicles by approximately 56% in 2032 compared to 2026 levels. While some automakers argue that these standards are unachievable, many of their own commitments were incorporated into the EPA's proposal.

Automakers cannot have it both ways. If they are truly committed to transitioning to EVs, there is no reason for them to object to these sensible standards. Given the urgency of the climate crisis, we cannot afford to let automakers' contradictory statements hold back progress.

The EPA's proposed standards are intended to accelerate the transition to cleaner vehicles. They estimate that two-thirds of new vehicle sales in 2032 will need to be zero-emission cars and trucks, but specific technologies are not mandated.

Many automakers are now complaining that the EPA's target is more ambitious than President Biden's goal of 50% zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales by 2030. However, these complaints overlook the significant climate investments made through the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which will reduce vehicle prices and support the development of charging infrastructure. These investments, combined with existing state policies, are projected to result in 48 to 61% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2030.

Automakers have already invested over $210 billion in the transition to ZEVs in the United States and plan to invest another $1.3 trillion by 2030. However, these commitments were made before the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. This legislation provides unprecedented support for the EV supply chain and consumer affordability, which will significantly boost EV sales.

Despite their public promises, some automakers are now raising concerns about the feasibility of the EPA's regulations. General Motors (GM), for example, which aims for 100% zero-emission vehicles by 2035, wants the EPA to align with President Biden's executive order of 50% EV sales by 2030. Other automakers, like Nissan and Toyota, have also scaled back their commitments in their comments to the EPA.

However, Ford is supportive of the EPA's proposal and has stated its commitment to investing over $50 billion in EVs by 2026. The Auto Alliance, a trade group representing major automakers, has a more muted response, suggesting a slightly different path to achieve the emission reduction goals.

It's important to note that the proposed EPA standards do not require automakers to sell a specific number of EVs. They can choose the most cost-effective pathway to achieve emission reductions, such as focusing on clean trims of vehicles or selling plug-in hybrid options.

The transition to EVs is already underway, with automakers making commitments to electrify vehicles both in the United States and Europe. The choice now lies with automakers to either fulfill their public commitments or delay progress. Consumers are increasingly embracing EVs, and the necessary charging infrastructure is being developed. It's time for automakers to take the lead and accelerate the transition to a climate-safe future.

Republished from NRDC Expert Blog. By Kathy Harris, Senior Advocate, Clean Vehicles and Fuels, Climate & Clean Energy Program

Source: CleanTechnica

FutureCar Staff