Is the Biden Administration Overdoing Efforts to Boost EV Sales?

Most Americans are still hesitant to buy EVs. Six major dealerships are suing the EPA and other major industry players to overturn EV mandates.

Car Dealerships and Big Oil Are Suing the Government to Slow EV Adoption

Some industry players, such as the American Petroleum Institute, have a vested interest in continuing the status quo. However, that doesn’t explain the full scope of complaints brought by car dealerships, the American Farm Bureau Federation, and others.

The Federal Lawsuit Against the EPA

A group of six major car dealerships and other vital industry players filed a federal lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency in an effort to slow the adoption of EV technology across America.

The group takes fault with the Biden Administration’s emissions standard, which currently states that around 56% of new US vehicle sales must be made up of electric vehicles by 2032. According to the standard’s detractors, that’s insufficient time to make vital changes.

Why They’re Bringing Suit

Ryan Meyers, the general counsel for the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (API) trade group, stated that the group was planning to sue the EPA to protect American consumers, manufacturers, and the energy sector.

Meyers calls the mandate intrusive and says the EPA “exceeded its congressional authority.” The API continues to lobby Congress to overturn the regulation, which Meyers calls “deeply flawed,” but they’re prepared to move forward in court.

As it stands, the current standard will eliminate half of not just new gas cars but also traditional hybrids in less than a decade. While few would argue that the status quo surrounding internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles needs to change, that’s not a lot of time to orchestrate it.

What Are the Counter-Arguments?

The Biden Administration announced its new emissions standard in March 2024. Their intention was to help reduce pollution and slow climate change. Eliminating cars with internal combustion engines should help to cut carbon and greenhouse gas emissions.

Eliminating ICE vehicles will not mitigate the worst effects of climate change, but it is a start. Proponents of the new standard believe that the world must take action quickly to make the biggest difference possible.

Since its unveiling, the standard has been criticized by Big Oil. However, there’s more to this lawsuit than oil companies’ desire not to lose customers. It draws attention to the challenges inherent in adopting a dramatically new technology in a fast, forced time frame.

What to Expect at Local Car Dealerships

As the adoption of electric vehicles continues to become more widespread, drivers will find more EVs at local car dealerships and fewer traditional hybrids and gas-burning engines. However, drivers still have choices.

Those who are ready to adopt EV technology now have many options. Every major brand has already begun releasing EVs and PHEVs. Those who aren’t ready can continue purchasing traditional vehicles at car dealerships, at least for now.