In spite of the state of the economy in this country, the current administration insists that we all need to have electric vehicles, and soon. Although they have extended the new rule to 2032, and claim it is not a mandate, we are all going to be purchasing EVs in order to comply with federal emission restrictions.
Disadvantages of EVs
In spite of the administration’s enthusiasm about EVs, there are a number of disadvantages. Advocates celebrated their program to build charging stations but the process has barely started.
Although driving distances are increasing, they are still very limited; the Lucid Air Dream Edition R is up to a whopping 520 miles per trip. Batteries are a problem too; the lithium required for them are only mined in a limited number of countries, they can cost $6,000 to $20,000 to replace.
The EPA reported last year that at least 65 landfill fires were caused by lithium-ion battery waste. If the industry doesn’t find a solution quickly, we may have mountains of lithium trash waiting to catch fire.
The EVs are also heavy, causing more wear-and-tear on tires.
Federal Government Expenditures for EVs
With all these limitations, the federal government’s demands are premature, impractical and expensive. But they are determined to pursue the mitigation of climate change, no matter the costs.
Speaking of costs, the government has reluctantly told us how much of our hard-earned money it is spending for the support and production of EVs under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law . Here are EV program examples:
- $5 billion for a national charging network
- $2.5 billion for a competitive grant program
- $7 billion to support the battery supply chain
- Up to $7,500 tax credit for qualifying EVs.
The total is at least $15 billion, not including tax credits, which could be substantial.
The question we have to ask: does the federal government belong in the automobile funding business?
Convention of States
At COS, part of our mission includes ensuring that the federal government is acting within the limits of the Constitution. That commitment involves educating and informing our citizens when we see the government exceeding its constitutional powers, particularly in how it expends taxpayer funds. This effort to essentially mandate electric vehicles is one that oversteps the power of the federal government, and COS is determined to stop these kinds of excesses.
To learn more about how COS hopes to restore the Constitution, read the 2023 Article V Simulated Convention proposed constitutional amendments.
