USA going for 67% Electric Car Sales by 2032; tax credits dangled

By Shanieka Smith 

Staff Writer

#USA, April 17, 2023 – The new tailpipe emissions limit revealed by the US Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday, April 12 will require some 67% of vehicles sold in the US to be electric by 2032.

Though EPA Administrator, Michael Regan said the proposal was “ambitious” he noted that it would support the Biden Administration’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.

Since Wednesday, many stakeholders have come forward to comment on the new limit.

Former EPA official Thomas Boylan said, “This is really going to set the tone for the rest of the decade,” emphasising that it is a big deal for the auto industry. White House National Climate Adviser Ali Zaidi believes the new proposal “is a win for the American people.”

A poll carried out on Wednesday revealed that 41% of the participants would not buy an electric car. A primary concern among citizens seems to be the lack of charging facilities in America. The Biden Administration, however, aims to erect at least 500,000 stations by 2030.

The high cost of purchasing an electric vehicle is also a big deterrent even though it would be more cost-efficient in the long run.

“Folks who purchase electric vehicles will see a cost savings over the lifespan of the vehicle, because they’re not having to buy gas, having to pay for maintenance,” Regan said.

Despite some resistance, officials maintain that this initiative is doable as the US has the third largest Electric Vehicle industry after China and Europe. Regan said the proposal would be carried out in phases to give consumers and automakers time to adjust.

During the interim, not only will more charging stations be built, but access to a $7,500 federal EV tax credit announced by the Biden Administration will be made available.