According to industry and environmental experts briefed on the EPA New Car Emission Rule proposal, the United States EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is proposing strict new automobile emission regulations this week that will mandate at least 54% of new vehicles produced in the U.S. be electric by 2030 and as many as two of every three by 2032.
The EPA New Car Emission Rule proposal regulation, which is scheduled to be issued on Wednesday, would establish passenger car greenhouse gas emissions standards for the model years 2027 through 2032 that would be stricter than the benchmarks set by the auto industry in 2021.
Welcomed by Environmental Organizations
The ambitious figures, which were initially revealed over the weekend by The New York Times, have received praise from environmental organizations. However, the auto industry, which previously committed in August 2021 to make EVs 50% of U.S. new car sales by 2030 as it pushes towards a history-making transition away from internal combustion engines, is sure to strongly oppose the idea.
Even the low end of the Environmental Protection Agency’s projection for 2030 is four percentage points more than the 2021 target, which was set in response to President Joe Biden’s persistent push. In 2030, 50% of all new vehicles sold should be zero-emissions vehicles, such as battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell electric vehicles, according to an executive order issued by Biden.
EPA New Car Emission Rule proposal
Increasing Proportion of EVs
Only 7.2% of U.S. vehicle sales were electric vehicles in the first quarter of this year, so the industry has a long way to go before it even approaches the administration’s goals. However, the proportion of EV sales is increasing. 5.8% of the sales of new cars were affected last year.
Prior to Wednesday’s release, the Environmental Protection Agency declined to provide further information, but stated in a statement that it is “developing new standards that will… accelerate the transition to a zero-emissions transportation future, protecting people and the planet” in accordance with Biden’s mandate.
