Trump’s Orders Target EV Incentives, Emissions Waivers, and Charger Funding

To achieve this, the administration has moved to eliminate “state emissions waivers that function to limit sales of gasoline-powered automobiles.” This poses significant challenges for California and the 17 other states that adhere to the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Zero Emissions Vehicles regulations. Historically, California has received waivers under the Clean Air Act to impose its own emissions standards. However, the Trump administration has consistently opposed CARB’s waiver, with previous efforts partially succeeding until the US Environmental Protection Agency reversed them just over a month ago.

The clean vehicle tax credit is also facing uncertainty. This credit offers buyers up to $7,500 toward a new EV or up to $4,000 for a used EV. The executive order specifically criticizes “unfair subsidies and other ill-conceived government-imposed market distortions that favor EVs over other technologies,” arguing that they effectively mandate EV purchases by making other vehicles unaffordable. However, since the clean vehicle tax credit is codified in tax law, any changes would require Congressional approval.

Environmental groups have expressed strong opposition to these moves. Katherine García, director of the Sierra Club’s Clean Transportation for All campaign, stated, “The transition to electric vehicles is opening factories and putting people back to work across the country. Instead of building upon progress we’ve made, Donald Trump remains intent on fear-mongering around electric vehicles and taking the US back in time while the rest of the world moves forward on auto innovation. Rolling back vehicle emission safeguards harms our health, our wallets, and our climate.”

via Ars Technica.