Summary
- Trump admires Elon Musk but plans to end America’s EV mandate on Day 1 due to preference for freedom of choice in vehicle selection
- President Joe Biden set a goal for half of all new cars and trucks sold by 2030 to be zero-emission
- Trump raises concerns about EVs and expresses skepticism about hydrogen cars due to safety issues
- Despite his stance on EVs, Trump praised Musk and Tesla for their innovation and product quality
- Democratic candidate Kamala Harris does not support an EV mandate but has previously advocated for a model to increase zero-emission vehicles in the market by 2035.
Article
Former President Donald Trump has expressed his intention to end America’s electric vehicle (EV) mandate on his first day in office, rejecting the push towards EVs and emphasizing the importance of giving Americans the freedom to choose what type of vehicle they drive. Trump praised Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who endorsed him during his presidential campaign, but made it clear that he does not support the mandate that requires a certain percentage of new cars and trucks to be zero-emission by 2030. Trump believes that alternatives and choices, including hybrids and gasoline-powered cars, should be available to consumers.
President Joe Biden implemented new tailpipe pollution limits earlier this year, with the goal of having 56% of new vehicle sales as battery EVs by 2032. However, the House of Representatives recently voted to support a resolution seeking to overturn the EPA’s vehicle emissions rule. Despite the rise in popularity of EVs in America, Trump highlighted that they only represent a small fraction of the overall market. He also expressed concerns about hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, citing safety issues related to their tendency to explode. Trump made it clear that he would not support hydrogen cars until these safety concerns are addressed.
At a rally in Saginaw, Michigan, Trump reiterated his pledge to end the EV mandate and vowed that no state in America would be allowed to ban gas-powered cars or trucks under his presidency. He also hinted at the possibility of eliminating the $7,500 tax credit for EV purchases if elected. In response to Trump’s stance on EVs, vice president and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris clarified that she does not support an electric vehicle mandate and emphasized that individuals should have the freedom to choose the type of car they drive. However, there have been reports that Harris previously advocated for a model that would require a certain percentage of new passenger vehicles to be zero-emission by 2030 and 100% by 2035.
Despite Trump’s opposition to the EV mandate, he acknowledged Musk’s endorsement and praised Tesla as a company. Trump emphasized the importance of having alternatives and choices for consumers when it comes to vehicle options, including hybrid and gasoline-powered cars. The debate over the transition to EVs and the push towards zero-emission vehicles continues to be a contentious issue in American politics, with differing opinions on the best approach to address environmental concerns and reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector. As the auto industry evolves and technology advances, the future of EVs and alternative fuel vehicles remains uncertain.
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