Automakers Declare Biden’s 2027-2032 Emission Targets Impossible to Achieve

Automotive giants push back against regulatory timelines that don't align with technological realities.

The Compliance Chasm

Major manufacturers unanimously report that current infrastructure and production capabilities can't meet the aggressive 2027 through 2032 benchmarks. Supply chain limitations and battery technology gaps create impossible hurdles—even with massive capital investment.

Manufacturing Reality Check

Assembly line transitions require years, not quarters. Legacy automakers face the perfect storm: shareholder expectations, union demands, and now regulatory requirements that ignore production physics. The math simply doesn't add up without catastrophic financial consequences.

Electric Dreams vs. Engineering Truths

While policymakers envision rapid EV adoption, engineers face material science constraints and charging infrastructure gaps that can't be solved by legislative deadlines. The industry's roadmap shows a 5-8 year lag behind political aspirations—assuming optimal conditions.

Another classic case of regulatory fantasy meeting balance sheet reality. Washington's emission targets might as well be written in disappearing ink given current manufacturing capabilities—but hey, at least the compliance paperwork will create jobs.

Automakers face tough decisions

Automakers have dealt with big changes in environmental rules every time a new president comes in. These changes affect billions of dollars in business plans. The Alliance wants the EPA to replace the current rules with standards that automakers can actually meet.

Meanwhile, people are rushing to buy electric vehicles before the federal tax credits disappear next week. The tax breaks – $7,500 for new cars and $4,000 for used ones – started in 2022 under the Inflation Reduction Act. Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act is ending these credits along with other clean energy tax breaks over the next few months.

With one week left before the tax credits end, customers are crowding into car lots to get the deals. Electric vehicle sales hit a record high in August. New electric vehicle sales went up 17.7% compared to the same time last year. Used electric car sales jumped 59% in the same period, according to Cox Automotive.

“As we approach the sunset of the IRA tax credit, we expect September to mirror August’s elevated sales activity, driven by time-sensitive purchase and lease offers,” Cox Automotive said.

Cars Commerce, which owns Cars.com, found similar trends. Their data shows a 33% jump in demand for electric vehicles since last year as shoppers hurry to use the tax credits. The company also found that used electric vehicles stay on dealer lots for 46 days on average, almost 30% less than last year. This shows more people want used electric cars.

Car dealers want to clear out their electric vehicle stock before new models arrive in November. They’re offering their own deals, including monthly lease payments as low as 1% of the car’s full price.

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