In a major blow to the electric vehicle (EV) market, former President Donald Trump has vowed to slam the brakes on their growth by reversing President Biden's policies that encourage EV manufacturing and sales. Trump has threatened a 100% tariff on electric cars imported from Mexico if he returns to office. Despite these threats, the EV market is booming, with a record 1.2 million Americans buying electric vehicles last year, making up 7.6% of new car sales.
Analysts predict that this trend will continue and project that electric vehicles will make up 10% of all car sales this year, which could signal a tipping point for rapid and widespread EV adoption. However, if Trump were to be elected and end federal policies supporting electric vehicles, it could throw enough sand in the gears to slow down the transition to cleaner transportation. This would have significant consequences for the fight against global warming as scientists say that a rapid switch from gasoline-powered cars to electric versions is one of the most effective ways to slow carbon dioxide emissions.
President Biden has placed electric vehicles at the heart of his climate agenda, and researchers say that by 2030, half of all vehicles in the United States should be powered by electricity. This would require a massive shift away from traditional gasoline-powered cars and a significant investment in EV infrastructure.
Despite Trump's attacks on Biden's EV push during his campaign speeches and even after his criminal conviction in New York, Democrats have been less vocal and more nuanced about their support for the climate reduction goals and homegrown technology over competition from China. However, they have faced criticism from Republicans for supporting the Inflation Reduction Act's tax credits for EV buyers.
In conclusion, despite efforts by former President Trump to slow down the growth of electric vehicles, the market is rapidly expanding and showing no signs of stopping. The transition to cleaner transportation is necessary to combat global warming and reduce carbon emissions, and it seems that even political opposition cannot halt this trend.