Presidential candidate Donald Trump recently spoke at a rally in Georgia where he discussed his stance on electric vehicles (EVs) and his plans to end President Joe Biden’s supposed EV “mandate.” During the rally in Atlanta, Trump mentioned that he is a supporter of EV technology, citing his endorsement from Tesla CEO Elon Musk as a reason for his newfound support.
Trump’s comments on EVs come amidst his ongoing campaign and his promise to end any EV mandate on his first day in office if elected. While Biden does not have a formal EV mandate in place, Trump has made it clear that he opposes any such regulations. Despite his opposition to EV mandates, Trump expressed his support for EVs during the rally, attributing his stance to Elon Musk’s endorsement of his presidential campaign.
During his speech, Trump criticized Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris for her support of transitioning to all-electric vehicles. He highlighted concerns about the limited range, high cost, and Chinese manufacturing of EVs, but ultimately stated, “I’m for electric cars. I have to be, you know, because Elon endorsed me very strongly, Elon. So I have no choice.”
While Trump voiced his support for EVs, he also emphasized the importance of maintaining a diverse market with various types of vehicles, including gas-powered cars and hybrids. He expressed reservations about transitioning entirely to EVs, citing concerns about the cost of chargers and the practicality of widespread adoption.
In addition to his comments on EVs, Trump touched on various other topics during the rally, including his plans to end what he referred to as the “$100 trillion green new scam,” lower energy prices, and launch new drilling projects. He also mentioned a proposal to build an iron dome over the entire country as a defense against potential World War 3 threats.
One of the key issues at stake in the upcoming election is the future of federal EV incentives, such as the $7,500 tax credit for EV buyers. Trump and his running mate J.D. Vance have previously opposed this tax credit, proposing alternative measures to support gas vehicles and reduce reliance on China for EVs and their materials.
Overall, Trump’s remarks at the Georgia rally shed light on his evolving stance on electric vehicles and his broader energy and environmental policies. As the election approaches, the future of EV incentives and regulations remains a significant point of contention between the two presidential candidates. The rally highlighted the complex and multifaceted nature of the debate surrounding EVs and the role they will play in shaping the future of transportation and energy policy in the United States.