Kamala Harris, the vice president of the United States, has recently made a significant shift in her policies in an attempt to distance herself from former President Donald Trump’s claims. However, this change has not gone unnoticed, as Harris has a history of supporting electric vehicle (EV) mandates, despite her campaign’s latest press release suggesting otherwise. Let’s delve into the complexities surrounding Harris’s stance on EV mandates and the implications of her policy reversals.
- Harris’s Support for EV Mandates:
- Harris has previously co-sponsored a bill to ban combustion-engine cars by 2040, displaying her radical stance on transitioning to zero-emissions vehicles.
- The Biden-Harris administration has set a mandate where 70% of cars sold by 2032 must be either hybrid or fully electric, significantly impacting the automotive industry.
- Taxpayer Losses and Private Sector Impact:
- The government allocates significant funds for EV subsidies, with taxpayers spending $7,500 per new EV and $4,000 per used EV, along with additional costs from state and local taxpayers.
- Despite the subsidies, Ford reported substantial losses per EV sold, indicating the financial burden faced by the private sector in complying with EV mandates.
- Market Demand and Sales Performance:
- While hybrid sales have shown growth, fully electric car sales are actually slowing down, highlighting consumer preferences in the automotive market.
- Brands like Toyota, focusing on hybrids like the Prius, have thrived due to consumer demand for flexibility over fully electric cars, reflecting a divergence from the Biden-Harris administration’s EV mandate.
Harris’s policy reversals not only raise questions about her credibility but also shed light on the challenges faced by the automotive industry and taxpayers in implementing EV mandates. Despite the push for electric vehicles, the market dynamics and consumer behavior indicate a preference for alternatives. As we navigate the complexities of transitioning to sustainable transportation, it is essential to consider the economic implications and market realities to ensure a balanced and effective approach towards environmental goals.
