The Biden administration is on the verge of finalizing gas-powered car tailpipe emission standards that have been described as a "de facto electric vehicle mandate." The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pushing for a plan that aims to have 67% of new car sales be electric by 2032. Recent reports by the New York Times and Washington Post suggest that the White House is sticking to this ambitious goal while easing earlier targets. The proposed regulations are expected to be delayed until 2030, with automakers then facing rapid compliance to meet the standards.

The proposal has faced opposition from consumer advocates, energy industry groups, and Republican lawmakers, who argue that the market is not ready for such a drastic increase in electric vehicle (EV) purchases. Industry pressures and concerns from auto union leaders have led to a slight delay in the initial implementation of the standards. Despite this delay, the end goal remains the same: transitioning to a future where new gas-powered cars are banned.

In response to the reports, the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers stated that the Biden administration is pushing automakers towards producing only electric vehicles, a move that may not align with current market demands. The overall plan, unveiled by the EPA in April 2023, envisions a significant shift towards electric cars, with projections indicating that 67% of new vehicle purchases will be electric by 2032.

EV sales in 2022 accounted for 9.3% of total car purchases in the U.S., up from 7% the previous year, with a notable increase in California and urban areas. However, cost remains a significant barrier, as EVs are substantially more expensive compared to traditional gas-powered cars. Despite federal and state subsidies, the average cost of an EV stands at around $52,500, while a subcompact car costs significantly less at $24,000.

The Biden administration's efforts to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles are met with challenges surrounding market readiness, pricing concerns, and industry pushback. As the administration continues to navigate these complexities, the future of the automotive industry and environmental goals will be closely monitored.