As Christmas approaches, President-elect Donald Trump’s team is planning to make big changes to U.S. policies on electric vehicles (EVs) and the environment. The team wants to reduce government support for electric cars and charging stations, and take stronger action against imports from China. This new plan, if put into place, would be a major shift from President Biden’s approach.
The Plan to Change EV Policies
Trump’s team has suggested a number of policies that would make it harder for electric vehicles to thrive in the U.S. One key idea is to end financial support for EVs. The plan also includes removing incentives for people who buy electric cars, such as the $7,500 tax credit that helps lower the cost.
The team also recommends taking money that was meant to build more EV charging stations and spending it instead on national defense, like securing a supply of critical minerals for the military. These minerals, such as lithium and graphite, are used in EV batteries and are important for both the economy and U.S. defense.
Additionally, the team suggests using tariffs (taxes on imports) to limit the amount of battery materials, EV components, and critical minerals coming from other countries, especially China. The goal is to make sure the U.S. has control over its own resources for making EV batteries and military equipment.
Support for Fossil Fuel Cars
In contrast to Biden’s policies, which focus on reducing pollution from cars, Trump’s team wants to allow more gas-powered cars on the road. This would mean loosening pollution rules and letting automakers produce cars that create more harmful emissions. The team wants to change the rules back to 2019 levels, which would allow cars to pollute more and use more fuel than the current standards.
The proposal also aims to stop California from setting its own stricter pollution standards. California has worked hard to push for cleaner cars, and many states follow its rules. Trump had blocked California’s stricter standards during his first term, and Biden had allowed them to return. Now, Trump’s team is looking to undo that change.
Encouraging Domestic Battery Production
Another key part of Trump’s plan is making sure the U.S. can produce its own EV batteries, as well as the materials to make them. The team is pushing to expand U.S. battery production to help with national security, as well as to protect the country’s industries.
They also want to speed up the process of building EV infrastructure, like charging stations, without waiting for environmental reviews. This would help get more charging stations up and running quickly.
A Major Shift in U.S. EV Policies
If these changes are made, it could hurt the sales and growth of electric cars in the U.S., especially at a time when carmakers like General Motors and Tesla are focusing more on electric vehicles.
The proposals reflect Trump’s plan to bring back fossil fuel-powered cars while also pushing for more U.S.-made batteries and critical minerals. These changes would reshape the future of electric vehicles in America and could have long-term effects on the environment and the economy.
