“Biden Administration Tightens Vehicle Fuel Mileage Standards to Drive Electric Vehicle Dominance”
The Biden administration announced on Friday that it is tightening vehicle fuel mileage standards as part of its strategy to shift the American auto market towards electric vehicles in order to reduce pollution and combat climate change. The new mileage standards, set by the Transportation Department, are just one of several regulations aimed at encouraging carmakers to produce more electric vehicles.
In April, the Environmental Protection Agency also issued strict new limits on tailpipe pollution, with the goal of having the majority of new passenger cars and light trucks sold in the United States be all-electric or hybrids by 2032. To further incentivize the transition to electric vehicles, the administration passed the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which provides tax credits for buyers of new and used electric vehicles, incentives for charging stations, and grants and loans for manufacturers.
The push for electric vehicles aligns with the recommendations of leading climate experts, who emphasize the importance of phasing out internal combustion engines to mitigate the effects of global warming. However, these efforts have faced criticism from former President Donald Trump and other Republicans, who argue that the government is limiting consumer choice. The oil and gas industry has also launched campaigns against the policies, falsely claiming that they amount to a ban on traditional cars.
Despite the opposition, the Biden administration remains committed to its goal of increasing the adoption of electric vehicles. The new standards require American automakers to achieve an average fuel economy of 65 miles per gallon for passenger vehicles by 2031, up from the current average of 48.7 miles per gallon. The standards also set targets for light trucks, heavy pickup trucks, and delivery vans to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted the benefits of the new standards, stating that they will save Americans money on fuel costs and reduce harmful pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency’s emissions rule and the Transportation Department’s mileage standard work in tandem to address carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles, with the goal of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
While some critics argue that the mileage rule should have been stronger, automakers have generally expressed satisfaction with the new standards. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents major car companies, stated that the rules align with recent federal tailpipe regulations and could provide more legal durability than the EPA’s emissions rule.
Despite legal challenges from Republican attorneys general and concerns about the impact on the auto industry, demand for electric vehicles continues to grow. Analysts project that electric vehicle sales will reach 10 percent of the market this year, driven in part by falling prices and increased affordability. Major automakers have announced plans to introduce more affordable electric vehicles, signaling a shift towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation sector.