• The Biden administration plans to relax automobile emissions restrictions, granting car manufacturers more transition time, as per sources.
  • The proposed EPA plan aims to reduce new vehicle emissions by 56% by 2032, with requirements for electric vehicles to constitute 60% of new car production by 2030 and 67% by 2032.
  • However, industry groups like the UAW and AAI have expressed concerns over the feasibility and affordability of these targets, suggesting revisions to the proposal.

According to sources, on Sunday, February 18th, the Biden administration plans to relax restrictions on automobile emissions, granting more transition time to car manufacturers. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a plan from 2027 to 2032 aiming to significantly reduce tailpipe emissions and increase electric vehicle sales. This proposal calls for a 56% reduction in new vehicle emissions by 2032, with car manufacturers required to have electric vehicles account for 60% of new car production by 2030 and 67% by 2032.

Also read: Tesla is set to construct a new $25,000 EV model by mid-2025

UAW asks to slow down the pace of EV sales

The United Auto Workers (UAW) and related car manufacturers previously urged the Biden administration to slow down the pace of electric vehicle sales. They argue that electric vehicle technology remains too expensive for mainstream US consumers and requires more time to develop charging infrastructure. The UAW suggests that the EPA proposal should be revised to gradually increase stringency and be implemented over a longer period.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI), representing companies such as General Motors, Ford, Stellantis, Toyota, and Volkswagen, also stated last year that this approach is both unreasonable and unachievable. The AAI recommends that by 2030, the requirement for the proportion of electric vehicle sales should be slowed to 40%-50%. In 2023, electric vehicles accounted for approximately 8% of total sales.

It is expected that the US government will announce revised final regulations as early as next month, with expectations that the previously proposed emission requirements will be relaxed. According to insiders, the new regulations are expected to result in electric vehicles accounting for less than 60% of production by 2030.