Title: Navigating the Path to Greener Vehicles: Avoiding a Halt in U.S. Advancements
Half a century ago, America's cities were suffocating under a smoggy haze. A dismal 1973 photograph of New York's George Washington Bridge engulfed in smog served as a grim reminder of the air quality millions of Americans were forced to endure daily. Yet, the narrative since then has transformed into an impressive American success story.
The U.S. has experienced a staggering 78% decrease in air pollution levels since those grim days. Today, contemporary vehicles emit just 98-99% fewer pollutants, like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, than they did in 1975. This drastic decrease has been linked to fewer respiratory diseases, lower hospital visits, and fewer lives lost, while simultaneously impacting climate change. This transformation can be attributed to American ingenuity, well-crafted policies, and steady progress.
In the latest EPA Automotive Trends Report for 2024, the evidence is clear: by harnessing technological innovation, establishing effective policies, and making steady progress, America can better public health and keep fuel prices affordable for consumers. New 2023 passenger vehicles boast an impressive average of 27 miles per gallon - a significant leap forward, as fuel economy has more than doubled since 1975. Moreover, these new vehicles emit half the CO2 per mile compared to 1975 models.
The American automotive industry has flourished within the framework of these regulations. The regulatory structure does not force auto companies into using any singular technology, instead allowing manufacturers to utilize any technological advancement that meets the EPA standards.
The 1970s were a time of technological growth and innovation among American automakers. Detroit emerged as a pioneer in both emissions standards and innovative clean car technology. This included the development of the catalytic converter and electronic fuel injection, which quickly gained worldwide adoption, effectively cleaning up emissions and saving lives.
American innovation then propelled the world towards electrification, with the introduction of the Tesla S in 2011. The vehicle proved both practical and cool, attracting half of US EV sales by 2024. Globally, the EU is also setting ambitious targets, including a mandate for all new vehicle sales to be zero-emission by 2035.
Policies over the past few years have bolstered American competitiveness in the EV market. In 2024, EPA's clean car standards and government initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Bill have provided billions in investments to develop, install, and maintain EV charging stations, offer credits for EV purchases, fund electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities, and improve the electricity grid's reliability.
As a result, sales of electric vehicles in the US have increased significantly, from 6.7% in 2022 to 11.5% in 2023. Further, more than 195,000 new jobs have been created in the same period, with automotive OEMs and suppliers investing heavily in American electric vehicle production. Worldwide, car manufacturers have pledged to invest $1.2 trillion in electrifying the auto industry, of which $312 billion is expected in the U.S.
There are concerns that the current clean car standards, the driving force behind this progress, might face rollbacks under the new administration. However, weakening environmental standards would hinder progress, as stronger emissions standards are becoming the standard worldwide. Domestic manufacturers would ultimately lose market share in more stable regulatory environments.
To remain competitive in the fastest-growing auto market segments, it is essential to maintain this momentum. Rolling back emissions standards or reducing EV incentives would stall domestic progress and compromise technological and economic leadership in the global market. Instead, the new administration should work towards enhancing clean car standards, locking in environmental progress, saving consumers money at the pump, and boosting our industrial leadership.
- The Trump administration proposed to roll back some environmental regulations, particularly in the automotive sector, which raised concerns about emissions and clean air.
- China, recognizing the importance of electric vehicles (EVs) in reducing emissions, announced plans to phase out production and sales of conventional automobiles by 2040.
- Ford, recognizing the future of the automotive industry, has invested heavily in electric vehicle development, aiming to make half its global vehicle fleet all-electric by 2030.
- In response to the increasing popularity of EVs, Tesla has expanded its production facilities, aiming to double its annual output to over 2 million vehicles by 2030.
- The EPA under the new administration should consider strengthening clean air standards and encouraging electric vehicle adoption, as this approach could boost American competitiveness, save consumers money, and support job creation in the automotive sector.
