US action on electric cars

President Joe Biden says he has united carmakers and workers in the automotive industry to drive American leadership forward on clean cars.

He set a market share target for 50 per cent of sales to be electric vehicles (EVs) in the US by 2030. 

It is hoped the bipartisan infrastructure law will “supercharge” the country’s efforts to lead an electric future, and “build a better America” by strengthening domestic supply chains, outcompeting the world and making electric cars cheaper for working families.

The White House’s EV Charging Action Plan outlines steps federal agencies are taking to support developing and deploying chargers in American communities across the country. 

The Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Transportation (DOT) will now establish a joint office of energy and transportation that will be focused on deploying EV infrastructure, working to collect input and guidance from industry leaders, manufacturers, workers and other stakeholders to ensure the national network provides convenient charging for all. 

Its initial focus will be building a convenient, reliable public-charging network that can build public confidence, with a focus on filling gaps in rural, disadvantaged and hard-to-reach locations.

The legislation makes the most transformative investment in EV charging in US history that will put it on the path to a convenient and equitable network of 500,000 chargers and make EVs accessible to all Americas for both local and long-distance trips. 

The law includes US$5 billion in formula funding for states with a goal to build a national charging network. 

Another key component of the EV strategy is to increase domestic manufacturing of EV batteries and components, and advance environmentally responsible domestic sourcing and recycling of critical minerals.