Automotive
Automakers Hit Reverse On Idealistic Electric Vehicle Targets Despite Billions In Biden-Harris Subsidies

From the Daily Caller News Foundation
By Owen Klinsky
Automakers have continued to backpedal on electric vehicle (EV) targets over the last year as a slackening of consumer demand has hampered growth despite the billions in subsidies lavished on the industry by the Biden-Harris administration.
A wide array of auto manufacturers have abandoned key EV goals since February, with Volvo, Ford and Mercedes-Benz all dialing back electric quotas or dropping previously planned product lines. The shifts in corporate strategy suggest the EV transition — once touted by auto executives like Ford CEO Jim Farley as the industry’s future — may not be as feasible as once thought due to consumer aversion to lower mileage ranges, a lack of charging infrastructure and higher prices, experts told the Daily Caller News Foundation.
The auto industry’s change in direction is in spite of the billions in subsidies doled out to the industry via the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, with the White House offering a $7,500 federal tax credit for certain EVs to ease costs for buyers, and allocating $12 billion for carmakers to retrofit factories for EV production. The administration has also put in place stringent regulations designed to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles, including a tailpipe emissions rule that would effectively require about 67% of all light-duty vehicles sold after model year 2032 to be electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrids.
“Even after throwing money at EVs hand over fist, basically paying people tax dollars to drive these cars off the lots, you have a dire spiral of (1) not enough demand to support the number of cars being produced, and (2) the people you paid to buy them now wanting to go back to what they had before,” O.H. Skinner, executive director of the Alliance for Consumers and the former solicitor general of Arizona, told the DCNF.
Autos over the last 5 years:
Auto CEOs: “we’re going electric by 2030 so I can become the toast of the town and get glossy magazine spreads written about how visionary and green I am.”
Engineers: “that’s not possible…”
Accountants: “that’s not possible…”
Customers: “we… https://t.co/ldca2L0n4G
— Alliance For Consumers (@for_consumers) September 4, 2024
Despite the generous tax credits, consumers have been hesitant to adopt EVs at the rate the Biden-Harris administration and automakers have hoped, with EV sales growing 50% in the first half of 2023 and 31% in the first half of 2024, less than the 71% increase in the first half of 2022. Moreover, a June poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute found 46% of respondents were unlikely or very unlikely to purchase an EV, while just 21% were “very” or “extremely” likely to make the change.
Consumer sentiment towards EVs has struggled even among those who have already purchased the vehicles, with a June survey from leading consulting firm McKinsey and Company finding nearly half of Americans who own an EV want to go back to a standard vehicle.
“The [EV market] headwinds come from physical realities that translate into economic and practical realities,” Mark Mills, a distinguished senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation and an expert on the automobile market, told the DCNF. “EVs are inherently more expensive… and most consumers are very price sensitive; EV fueling for most people is far less convenient… [and] EV fueling infrastructure is extremely expensive and will take a long time to build out.”
The average cost of a new EV was 10% higher than the price of a standard vehicle as of January, with the 2024 electric version of a base Ford F-150 costing roughly $20,000 more. The Ford F-Series was the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. in 2023.
Ford canceled plans to produce a three-row electric SUV in August and reduced output of its F-150 Lightning pickup truck in January. The reversals follow Ford losing $4.7 billion on EVs in 2023, equating to nearly $65,000 per EV it sold. When reached, a Ford spokeswoman referred back previous comments to the DCNF stating that “we aren’t going to launch vehicles unless they are going to be profitable within 12 months of launch.”
“These are staggering costs to impose on American families,” Diana Furchtgott-Roth, director of the Center for Energy, Climate and Environment at the Heritage Foundation, told the DCNF.
EV carmakers Tesla and Lucid have also struggled in the last year, announcing plans to layoff roughly 10% and 6% of their workforces, respectively.
On top of sheer cost, expanding charging infrastructure has also been a challenge for manufacturers, with the Biden-Harris administration having built just seven EV charging stations in four states as of April 2024, despite the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill earmarking $7.5 billion for the creation of a national EV charger network. A lack of demand, union requirements, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, with the Department of Transportation requiring applicants to promise to perform “intentional outreach to underserved communities” by hosting “neighborhood block parties” in order to qualify for funding, have significantly slowed down the project’s rollout.
Beyond a lack of infrastructure, charging can simply be inconvenient for consumers, with refueling times ranging from 20 minutes to upwards of 50 hours depending on charger voltage and battery size, according to American automotive resource company Edmunds. Even “fast charging” in the urban center of Washington, D.C., can take as long as 35 minutes.
Faced with these obstacles, Volvo Cars abandoned plans to offer an all-electric line-up by the end of the decade, instead aiming to have between 90% and 100% of its cars be fully electric or plug-in hybrids by that time. Mercedes-Benz made a similar announcement back in February, slashing its target of selling 100% EVs by 2030 to just 50% after its net profit fell 21.5% year-over-year in the fourth quarter of 2023.
“The Biden-Harris administration is spending billions in tax incentives to pay auto companies to make EVs, and billions for tax credits to pay households to buy the cars,” Furchtgott-Roth told the DCNF. “Still, Americans are too smart to fall for a product that is not suited for them.”
The White House, Volvo and Mercedes-Benz did not respond to a request for comment from the DCNF.
Automotive
Major automakers push congress to block California’s 2035 EV mandate

MxM News
Quick Hit:
Major automakers are urging Congress to intervene and halt California’s aggressive plan to eliminate gasoline-only vehicles by 2035. With the Biden-era EPA waiver empowering California and 11 other states to enforce the rule, automakers warn of immediate impacts on vehicle availability and consumer choice. The U.S. House is preparing for a critical vote to determine if California’s sweeping environmental mandates will stand.
Key Details:
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Automakers argue California’s rules will raise prices and limit consumer choices, especially amid high tariffs on auto imports.
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The House is set to vote this week on repealing the EPA waiver that greenlit California’s mandate.
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California’s regulations would require 35% of 2026 model year vehicles to be zero-emission, a figure manufacturers say is unrealistic.
Diving Deeper:
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing industry giants such as General Motors, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Hyundai, issued a letter Monday warning Congress about the looming consequences of California’s radical environmental regulations. The automakers stressed that unless Congress acts swiftly, vehicle shipments across the country could be disrupted within months, forcing car companies to artificially limit sales of traditional vehicles to meet electric vehicle quotas.
California’s Air Resources Board rules have already spread to 11 other states—including New York, Massachusetts, and Oregon—together representing roughly 40% of the entire U.S. auto market. Despite repeated concerns from manufacturers, California officials have doubled down, insisting that their measures are essential for meeting lofty greenhouse gas reduction targets and combating smog. However, even some states like Maryland have recognized the impracticality of California’s timeline, opting to delay compliance.
A major legal hurdle complicates the path forward. The Government Accountability Office ruled in March that the EPA waiver issued under former President Joe Biden cannot be revoked under the Congressional Review Act, which requires only a simple Senate majority. This creates uncertainty over whether Congress can truly roll back California’s authority without more complex legislative action.
The House is also gearing up to tackle other elements of California’s environmental regime, including blocking the state from imposing stricter pollution standards on commercial trucks and halting its low-nitrogen oxide emissions regulations for heavy-duty vehicles. These moves reflect growing concerns that California’s progressive regulatory overreach is threatening national commerce and consumer choice.
Under California’s current rules, the state demands that 35% of light-duty vehicles for the 2026 model year be zero-emission, scaling up rapidly to 68% by 2030. Industry experts widely agree that these targets are disconnected from reality, given the current slow pace of electric vehicle adoption among the broader American public, particularly in rural and lower-income areas.
California first unveiled its plan in 2020, aiming to make at least 80% of new cars electric and the remainder plug-in hybrids by 2035. Now, under President Donald Trump’s leadership, the U.S. Transportation Department is working to undo the aggressive fuel economy regulations imposed during former President Joe Biden’s term, offering a much-needed course correction for an auto industry burdened by regulatory overreach.
As Congress debates, the larger question remains: Will America allow one state’s left-wing environmental ideology to dictate terms for the entire country’s auto industry?
Also Interesting
Top Used Ford SUVs for Families and Adventurers

Finding the perfect SUV that balances comfort, safety, and adventure-ready performance can be a challenge, but Ford’s lineup of used SUVs offers some of the best options available. Whether you need a spacious vehicle for your growing family or an all-terrain companion for weekend getaways, there’s a Ford SUV to match your lifestyle. Let’s explore the top choices that deliver reliability, versatility, and affordability.
What to Look for in a Used Ford SUV?
Before diving into specific models, it’s essential to know what features matter most when shopping for a used Ford SUV. Here are key factors to consider:
● Safety Features – Look for models equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360, which includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.
● Reliability and Maintenance Costs – Research common issues and ensure the SUV has a solid maintenance history.
● Fuel Efficiency – Choose a model that aligns with your commuting or road trip needs.
● Cargo and Passenger Space – Ensure the SUV has enough room for your family, gear, and pets.
● Off-Road Capability – If adventure is your goal, opt for models with all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD).
If you’re ready to explore available options, check out https://stampedeauto.com/used-ford/ for a selection of quality used Ford SUVs.
1. Ford Escape – The Compact Family Favorite
The Ford Escape is a practical, fuel-efficient SUV perfect for small families and urban explorers. With a history of strong safety ratings and a spacious interior, it strikes a balance between convenience and performance.
Why Choose a Used Ford Escape?
● Fuel Efficiency – Older models with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine offer up to 30 MPG highway.
● User-Friendly Technology – Equipped with Ford SYNC infotainment and smartphone connectivity.
● Versatile Cargo Space – Fold-flat rear seats provide ample room for groceries, sports equipment, or luggage.
● Best Model Years to Buy – 2018-2021 models have modern safety features and improved fuel economy.
2. Ford Edge – The Perfect Mid-Size Balance
For those who want more space without stepping into full-size territory, the Ford Edge is an ideal midsize SUV. It offers a roomy two-row layout, strong engine options, and a smooth ride.
Why Choose a Used Ford Edge?
● Spacious Cabin – More rear legroom than many competitors.
● Powerful Engine Choices – Available 2.0L EcoBoost and 2.7L V6 for extra performance.
● Advanced Safety Features – Includes lane-keeping assist and pre-collision assist in newer models.
● Best Model Years to Buy – 2019-2022 models offer a modern design and strong reliability.
3. Ford Explorer – The Ultimate Family SUV
If you need three rows of seating without sacrificing performance, the Ford Explorer is a top contender. It’s an excellent SUV for large families and those who need extra passenger capacity.
Why Choose a Used Ford Explorer?
● Seating for Up to Seven – Third-row seats offer flexibility for larger families.
● Strong Towing Capacity – Can tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped.
● Powerful Yet Efficient – The 2.3L EcoBoost engine delivers a balance of power and fuel savings.
● Best Model Years to Buy – 2017-2022 models feature advanced driver assistance and improved comfort.
4. Ford Expedition – The Full-Size Powerhouse
For those who need maximum space and towing capability, the Ford Expedition is a standout choice. It’s built for large families, cross-country road trips, and hauling heavy loads.
Why Choose a Used Ford Expedition?
● Room for Eight – A full-size SUV with unmatched passenger space.
● Towing King – Can tow up to 9,300 lbs, ideal for boats and trailers.
● High-Tech Features – SYNC 3 infotainment and multiple USB ports keep everyone connected.
● Best Model Years to Buy – 2018-2022 models have turbocharged efficiency and refined interiors.
5. Ford Bronco Sport – The Adventurer’s Compact Choice
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Ford Bronco Sport is a rugged compact SUV designed for off-road fun while still being a practical daily driver.
Why Choose a Used Ford Bronco Sport?
● Trail-Ready Performance – Standard AWD and off-road modes for different terrains.
● Compact Yet Spacious – Clever storage solutions for camping and gear.
● Turbocharged Engines – 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost options for strong performance.
● Best Model Years to Buy – 2021-2023 models provide the latest tech and rugged styling.
Before purchasing a used Ford Bronco Sport, be sure to check for any recalls. For example, certain Ford Bronco Sport and Maverick models have been recalled to fix faulty batteries. To learn more about this, visit Consumer Reports’ coverage on the recall.
Buying Tips: How to Get the Best Deal on a Used Ford SUV
● Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Options – Ford’s CPO program includes extended warranties and inspections.
● Check Vehicle History Reports – Avoid SUVs with major accidents or unresolved recalls.
● Test Drive and Inspection – Always inspect brakes, transmission, and suspension.
● Compare Prices – Look at local dealerships and online marketplaces for the best deals.
● Negotiate Smartly – Research market value and be prepared to walk away if needed. It also helps to choose a used car dealer with transparent pricing and a solid reputation.
Conclusion
Choosing the right used Ford SUV depends on your specific needs. If you want fuel efficiency and city-friendly size, the Escape is a great choice. For those needing extra space and towing power, the Explorer or Expedition are top contenders. If adventure is a priority, the Bronco Sport
offers unbeatable off-road capability.
No matter which Ford SUV you choose, you’ll get a reliable vehicle that blends comfort, technology, and performance—without the high price tag of a new model. Start your search today and find the perfect used Ford SUV for your family or next adventure.
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