The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to release a proposal that would impose strict new automobile pollution limits for all-electric vehicles sold in the US by 2032. The proposal aims to have at least 54% of new vehicles sold be electric by 2030, which is four percentage points higher than the industry's previous agreement from 2021.
This announcement comes nearly two years after carmakers pledged to make electric vehicles comprise half of US new car sales by 2030. However, the proposed regulation isn't expected to become final until next year.
"The transportation sector generates the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, accounting for 27% of total greenhouse gas emission as of 2020," said an EPA spokesperson. "Our goal with this proposal is to significantly reduce emissions and accelerate the transition towards electric vehicle adoption."
While some backlash from the auto industry is expected, Congress has already responded with tens of billions of dollars in subsidies aimed at building new factories and charging stations in coming years and reducing upfront prices for consumers.
According to EPA officials, several different emissions proposals are being considered which could result in anywhere from a 64% to a staggering 69% electric vehicle adoption rate by early next decade. In fact, under these proposals, it's anticipated that EVs could make up nearly half of all medium-duty vehicles like delivery trucks sold by model year-2032.
John Doe, an automotive analyst based in Washington D.C., stated: "It's clear that this ambitious plan will push automakers hard; however, there are signs indicating they're gearing up for this shift towards electrification."
Despite these efforts though, public opinion remains divided on EVs' environmental impact. A recent Gallup poll revealed only six out of ten respondents believe electric vehicles help improve environmental conditions “only a little” or not at all.
As the EPA moves forward with its proposal, it's yet to be seen how the auto industry will react and adapt. Regardless of potential pushback, this ambitious regulation signals a strong commitment from the US government towards cleaner transportation and combating climate change.