electric vehicles
Newsletter
Credit: (Joenomias) Menno de Jong/Pixabay
Trump and Vance make misleading claims about Harris's energy policies in swing states
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance are falsely accusing Kamala Harris of supporting extreme energy policies during their campaign stops in key swing states.
In short:
- Trump and Vance claim Harris will mandate electric vehicle (EV) purchases, but no such mandate exists.
- They allege Harris is outsourcing EV jobs to China, though U.S. tariffs and incentives are bolstering domestic production.
- Trump warns of electricity shortages, but experts say the U.S. grid can adapt to rising energy demand with the right investments.
Key quote:
“Vice President Harris does not support an electric vehicle mandate.”
— Ammar Moussa, Harris campaign spokesperson
Why this matters:
Misinformation about energy policies can influence voter opinions in critical swing states. Fact-checking these claims is essential for informed decision-making ahead of the election.
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Credit: Colton Sturgeon/Unsplash
Lawmakers push for stronger regulations on PFAS used in EV batteries
U.S. lawmakers are urging stricter regulations on PFAS, chemicals used in EV batteries, amid concerns over widespread contamination.
In short:
- Two U.S. lawmakers are advocating for tighter controls on PFAS, toxic chemicals found in various products, including EV batteries.
- A bill known as the PFAS Action Act seeks to enforce stricter regulations, but it has yet to pass in the Senate.
- Despite ongoing concerns, companies like Syensqo continue to expand production with government support, raising environmental and health risks.
Key quote:
"PFAS are found in everything from construction materials to cookware to basic household supplies – this isn’t an EV problem, it’s a PFAS problem.”
— Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Why this matters:
PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," pose severe health risks and are difficult to remove from the environment. As the EV industry grows, the unchecked use of these chemicals could lead to long-term public health issues.
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Canada imposes new tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles
Canada is enacting a 100% tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles, mirroring U.S. actions taken due to China's alleged market-distorting subsidies.
In short:
- Canada announced the tariffs after discussions with U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan.
- Canada will also impose tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum and may consider more tariffs on other goods.
- China condemned the tariffs as protectionist, warning of potential retaliatory actions.
Key quote:
“Actors like China have chosen to give themselves an unfair advantage in the global marketplace.”
— Justin Trudeau, Canadian Prime Minister
Why this matters:
These tariffs could escalate trade tensions between China, Canada and the U.S., impacting global markets and the electric vehicle industry. The dispute highlights ongoing concerns about China's influence on global trade.
Related:
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Ford shifts to smaller EVs, but will Americans follow?
Ford's new strategy of focusing on smaller electric vehicles challenges America's long-standing preference for larger cars, raising questions about consumer acceptance and the company's future profitability.
In short:
- Ford's pivot to smaller EVs is driven by the high cost of large electric vehicles, which require expensive batteries.
- American car buyers have traditionally favored bigger vehicles, complicating the shift toward compact EVs.
- Competition from smaller, affordable Chinese EVs could force U.S. automakers to adapt quickly.
Key quote:
“If we cannot make money on EVs, we have competitors who have the largest market in the world, who already dominate globally, already setting up their supply chain around the world. If we don’t make profitable EVs in the next five years, what is the future?”
— Jim Farley, CEO of Ford
Why this matters:
The success of Ford’s strategy could reshape the U.S. auto industry, influencing job markets, environmental outcomes and America's position in the global EV race.
Related:
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Credit: Michael Fousert/Unsplash
States adopt mixed strategies to balance EV incentives and road funding
As electric vehicles reduce gas tax revenues, many states are charging EV owners additional fees to help fund road maintenance.
In short:
- Pennsylvania will impose a $250 annual fee on electric vehicles, one of the highest in the U.S., as states seek to offset declining gas tax revenues.
- Thirty-nine states have implemented similar fees, with some also cutting other EV incentives, complicating the push toward cleaner transportation.
- Critics argue these fees could hinder EV adoption without significantly addressing transportation funding gaps.
Key quote:
"We’re not at a point where electric cars are in any way, shape or form quote-unquote ‘stealing’ from the gas tax."
— Frank Hornstein, Democratic chair of the Minnesota House Transportation Committee.
Why this matters:
States face a dilemma: they need new revenue sources as gas tax income drops, but increasing costs for EVs may slow their adoption, jeopardizing emissions reduction goals.
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EV infrastructure challenges for rural and Indigenous communities
Indigenous communities face significant challenges in adopting electric vehicles due to inadequate infrastructure, but advocates see potential solutions to bridge the gap.
In short:
- Electric vehicles (EVs) are growing in popularity, but rural and remote areas lack charging infrastructure.
- Indigenous communities are particularly impacted by infrastructure deficits, including poor roads and unreliable electricity.
- Advocates like Kent Heinrich and Jessica Tait push for improved EV infrastructure to support these areas.
Key quote:
“If the charging infrastructure is not there, if it’s not reliable, that will impact businesses, job opportunities, people connecting with family, food; it will impact just about anything you use your vehicle for.”
— Jessica Tait, sustainable transportation manager, Indigenous Clean Energy
Why this matters:
Bridging the EV infrastructure gap in rural and remote communities can help reduce carbon emissions and support sustainable development. Enhanced infrastructure also addresses broader issues of access and equity for Indigenous populations.
Related EHN coverage:
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Credit: Michael Fousert/Unsplash
Automakers and oil industry face off over electric vehicles
The battle between the auto and oil industries intensifies as the Biden administration pushes for cleaner vehicle standards, with automakers leaning toward electric vehicles while the oil industry resists change.
In short:
- The Biden administration's drive for cleaner vehicles has created a rift between automakers, who are investing in electric vehicles, and the oil industry, which fears losing its gasoline market.
- Former President Donald Trump supports the oil industry's stance, pledging to roll back EV-friendly policies in exchange for campaign contributions.
- Environmental groups and some automakers support the transition to EVs, while the oil industry mounts a significant campaign against it, claiming it limits consumer choice.
Key quote:
“They want to stop you from having cars.”
— Former President Donald Trump
Why this matters:
The outcome of this battle will significantly impact the U.S. strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A shift to electric vehicles could drastically cut fossil fuel consumption, but the transition faces strong opposition from powerful oil interests.
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