Trump’s Vow to Rescind Electric Vehicle Targets
During a speech at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump vowed to rescind the country’s electric vehicle targets on his first day in office. “On day one, I will end the electric vehicle mandates,” Trump declared. “This will save the American auto industry from complete destruction that is happening right now,” he stated.
EPA’s Electric Vehicle Sales Targets
Although the U.S. does not have official electric vehicle mandates, Trump seemed to be referring to sales targets set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In April, the EPA introduced measures to curb pollution from diesel and gasoline vehicles, aiming to increase the market share of light battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to 60% by 2030 and 67% by 2032.
However, in March, the EPA revised its BEV market share projections to 56% by 2032, accounting for the anticipated sales gap filled by plug-in hybrid EVs. Trump also voiced concerns about the growing presence of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers. He pointed out that the EPA’s targets faced resistance from individual states, which might impose their conflicting goals.
Concerns Over Chinese Electric Vehicle Manufacturers
Highlighting the threat posed by Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers setting up factories overseas, Trump said, “Right now, as we speak, massive factories are being built across the border in Mexico… These are being constructed to make cars by China and sell them in our country,” he added. On March 16, Trump stated, “We will impose a 100% tariff on all [Chinese] cars coming across the line, and you won’t be able to sell them.”
Chinese EV Expansion in Global Markets
China’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, BYD, has announced investments in electric vehicle production in Hungary, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Morocco, India, Turkey, Vietnam, and Cambodia, aiming for an annual production capacity of over 1 million electric vehicles.
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