FYI: Amid a rally in Georgia, Donald Trump expressed his support for electric vehicles, influenced by the recent endorsement from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, while vowing to end what he calls President Biden’s “EV mandate.”
Trump Rallies in Georgia, Emphasizes EV Support Due to Musk Endorsement
Over the weekend, presidential candidate Donald Trump held a significant rally in Atlanta, Georgia. During his speech, Trump mentioned his support for electric vehicles (EVs), primarily due to the endorsement from Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, last month. Despite his fluctuating stance on EVs, Trump firmly stated his intention to abolish President Joe Biden’s proposed “EV mandate” on his first day in office, should he be elected.
The Nonexistent "Mandate" and Biden’s Goals
Contrary to Trump’s repeated references to an EV "mandate," no such mandate officially exists. However, President Biden’s administration, through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has set ambitious emissions standards. These standards aim for light-duty vehicle sales to achieve a 67-percent market share for EVs by 2032 and a 46-percent share for medium-duty vehicles. Biden’s target aligns with his goal of making half of all auto sales electric by 2030.
Trump’s Stance on EVs
"She wants to get rid of gas-powered cars and replace them with all-electric,” Trump said, referring to Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris. He criticized certain aspects of EVs, such as range, cost, and reliance on China for manufacturing, yet stated, “I have to be, you know, because Elon endorsed me very strongly, Elon. So I have no choice.”
Diverse Market Approach
Trump suggested that the auto market should include various types of vehicles, including gas-propelled cars, hybrids, and EVs. He emphasized skepticism towards an all-electric future and pointed out the significant financial burden of installing EV charging infrastructure. "I’m for a small slice as a slice. You want to have every kind of a car imaginable," Trump mentioned, adding that going entirely electric isn’t feasible due to the inability to "load them."
The Financial Implications
During his speech, Trump cited the high costs associated with expanding EV charger networks, especially in the Midwest. He claimed it would cost around $9 trillion to install necessary infrastructure, humorously noting that $9 billion for eight chargers was a “good deal.”
Broader Context
Trump’s comments on EVs were part of a broader agenda he unveiled at the rally, which included plans to end the "green new scam," reduce energy prices, and reinvigorate drilling projects. He also proposed creating an "iron dome" over the U.S. as a defensive measure against potential global conflicts, asserting the imminence of World War 3.
Implications for Federal Programs
A Trump administration could impact future EV initiatives, such as the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, which Trump and his running mate J.D. Vance have previously criticized. Vance even proposed a bill to replace this credit with an equivalent one for gas vehicles, citing concerns over dependence on China for EV components.
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Summary: Donald Trump, speaking from Atlanta, reassured the audience of his backing for EVs due to the support from Elon Musk, while reiterating his promise to terminate Biden’s "EV mandate" if he comes to power. Although such a mandate doesn’t formally exist, Trump’s statements reflect deeper policy divides regarding the future of green energy and automotive industries in the U.S.
William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi