Photo by Eliza Earle
This op-ed was originally published on DetroitNews.com
From steam-powered cars in the 1800s to gas-powered cars in the 1900s, today’s evolution to electric vehicles (EVs) captures our nation’s ingenuity. The American auto industry was born from innovation and has led drivers to new and more efficient technology time and again.
Now, this technology has huge implications for our climate, and popularity for EVs is increasing. In 2023, Americans purchased a record 1.2 million electric vehicles, and so far, this year, electric vehicle sales continue to climb. Unfortunately, the transportation sector still remains the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the country. Toxic vehicle pollution has surged unchecked for decades, threatening public health and the environment. Most automakers are still hooked on gas guzzlers and even manufacturers that are producing electric vehicles are stalling the transition.
In GM's case, despite record-high EV sales in Q2, suddenly the company is walking back commitments it made in 2021. In June, CEO Mary Barra said the company's plan to go 100% electric by 2035 will now play out "over decades,” and GM backtracked on its goal of producing one million EVs by the end of 2025. GM also made the baffling decision to pause production of its affordable Bolt, a car so popular it was named Automotive Fleet’s 2023 Fleet Car of the Year.
Volvo, Ford, Toyota and Mercedes-Benz have also announced they are scaling back their electrification plans. These automakers are hedging their bets, claiming they will transition to all-electric vehicles in the future, but delaying near-term commitments until they know the outcome of the election, gambling that a future administration might allow them to keep their polluting status quo. This is irresponsible and short-sighted.
As we are barreling toward a changing climate, this is the time for automakers to strengthen their EV commitments. Our planet isn’t waiting around until automakers feel like switching to electric vehicles or find it politically convenient.
The Sierra Club is raising awareness about the impacts of climate change and ensuring that transportation solutions for curbing emissions are accessible to all. Broadly, we recommend being thoughtful about how we get around and driving less whenever possible. We’re advocating for affordable, electric car-share, reliable public transportation and safe biking in our communities. At the same time, automakers have the responsibility to produce EVs at the pace required to meet the moment.
During the last four years, the Biden administration successfully reversed former President Donald Trump’s vehicle standards and established long-term federal standards requiring cleaner cars to limit climate-disrupting pollution. And California finalized standards that will help states with the poorest air quality transition to EVs. These policies are complemented by historic investments through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act to help fund EV incentives, support auto manufacturing in the U.S., and build out charging infrastructure along corridors, around communities, and in homes. These investments are building momentum for EVs. So far this year, more than 300,000 EV drivers have received point-of-sale incentives and saved more than $2 billion thanks to the EV tax credit.
No matter what happens in November, American automakers must make progress on their transition to all-electric vehicles and recommit to American innovation. Electric vehicles are a crucial, long-term decision, not a short-term, or administration-dependent political decision.