Since Joe Biden took office, his primary goal has been to end the fossil fuel industry and push the green-energy agenda championed by the likes of AOC and John Kerry. Despite the country being decades away from going fully electric, particularly where vehicles are concerned, the administration still continues to put the screws on automakers to fill their lots with electric vehicles.
Unfortunately for dealers and the President, buys aren’t prepared to switch to fully electric vehicles. There are numerous reasons for this, such as high prices, consumer distrust, and a decided lack of infrastructure for charging. Whatever the reasons, dealers are backing up with unsold EVs, and now they are pushing back.
A coalition of over 3,000 new car dealers across the country is banding together and sending an open letter to President Biden, urging him to pump the brakes on the EV agenda. Chief among their complaints is the recent tailpipe emissions standards.
The dealers, which span all 50 states and cover every major car brand, are taking issue with the demand from the Environmental Protection Agency that the majority of new vehicle purchases must be electric within a decade.
The letter read in part: “These vehicles are ideal for many people, and we believe their appeal will grow over time. The reality, however, is that electric vehicle demand today is not keeping up with the large influx of BEVs [battery electric vehicles] arriving at our dealerships prompted by the current regulations. BEVs are stacking up on our lots.”
In order for the industry to grow, there must be means of charging, and those simply do not exist in most places. Couple the inconvenience with the outrageous prices and car buyers aren’t buying. That leaves the dealers with unsold inventory that has to move before the new model year begins.
The letter outlined what most consumers seem to be feeling. It continued: “Mr. President, it is time to tap the brakes on the unrealistic government electric vehicle mandate. Allow time for the battery technology to advance. Allow time to make BEVs more affordable. Allow time to develop domestic sources for the minerals to make batteries. Allow time for the charging infrastructure to be built and prove reliable. And most of all, allow time for the American consumer to get comfortable with the technology and make the choice to buy an electric vehicle.”
Despite the fact that the government is offering some incentives for consumers to purchase an EV, the fact remains that most Americans don’t want to be mandated to purchase something they don’t want. Considering China produces most of the key components, many consumers are shying away for fear of high costs to replace or repair the vehicles, particularly the battery.
According to a report from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, 93% of all new car sales in 2022 were gasoline-powered. and that doesn’t figure to change anytime soon, despite the push by Joe Biden and the green movement.
There are a number of kinks that need to be worked out before EVs are a real possibility, and even then, they would be better served as an alternative rather than a mandate. American consumers need to be wooed, not ordered into an electric vehicle, and for now, it isn’t happening.
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