New Rules Will Still Push Carmakers to Sell More Electric Cars
New Rules Will Still Push Carmakers to Sell More Electric Cars The New York Times
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New Biden Administration Auto Rules and their Impact on Electric Vehicles
Summary:
New Biden administration auto rules are less forceful than an earlier proposal but will still add to market pressure for cheaper electric vehicles.
Even if clean air rules announced on Wednesday in Washington are less forceful than some environmentalists would have liked, they should still have a powerful effect on the kinds of cars appearing in showrooms over the next several years, experts said.
The rules will amplify market forces pushing the industry toward battery power, giving automakers a strong incentive to sell a broader, more affordable variety of electric cars — not just the expensive sport utility vehicles that have dominated sales so far.
“It probably means more models and lower prices,” said Craig Segall, former deputy executive officer of the California Air Resources Board, an agency that played a key role in promoting electric vehicles in that state. “The way you win,” he said, referring to carmakers, “is making sure you have an E.V. in each segment.”
Despite talk of a slowdown, sales of electric vehicles are growing much faster than sales of vehicles that run on fossil fuels. Prices of electric vehicles have dropped significantly and are likely to fall further as carmakers get better at making them and the cost of batteries and raw materials plummets.
The Environmental Protection Agency rules announced Wednesday “certainly don’t slow down the pace at which our members are scaling up production,” said Albert Gore III, executive director of the Zero Emission Transportation Association. The association’s members include Tesla and other electric carmakers, as well as battery manufacturers, charging companies and suppliers.
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed by Democrats in 2022, led to a boom in investment in battery factories and electric vehicle plants. Since then, companies have announced investments of more than $110 billion in battery factories and electric vehicle assembly plants, according to the Environmental Defense Fund. These are long-term financial commitments that companies are likely to stick to regardless of what the federal government does.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the impact of new auto rules on the market for electric vehicles. This is directly connected to SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. The promotion of electric vehicles aligns with the goal of clean energy. Additionally, the article mentions the investment in battery factories and electric vehicle plants, which relates to SDG 9’s target of promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization. The shift towards electric vehicles also contributes to SDG 11’s target of making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Lastly, the focus on electric vehicles as a solution to reduce emissions and combat climate change aligns with SDG 13’s target of taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable.
- SDG 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
The article highlights the shift towards electric vehicles, which are powered by renewable energy sources, contributing to SDG 7.2. The investment in battery factories and electric vehicle plants also aligns with SDG 9.4, as it involves upgrading infrastructure to support sustainable industries. The promotion of electric vehicles as a solution for cities addresses SDG 11.6, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of urban areas. Lastly, the focus on electric vehicles as a way to combat climate change relates to SDG 13.2, which emphasizes the integration of climate change measures into national policies and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Percentage increase in the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- Number of battery factories and electric vehicle assembly plants
- Reduction in emissions from vehicles in urban areas
- Inclusion of climate change measures in national policies and planning
The article mentions the market forces pushing the industry towards battery power, indicating a potential increase in the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The investment in battery factories and electric vehicle assembly plants can be measured by tracking the number of such facilities established. The adoption of electric vehicles can lead to a reduction in emissions from vehicles in urban areas, which can be measured through air quality monitoring and emission data. Lastly, the integration of climate change measures into national policies and planning can be assessed by analyzing policy documents and evaluating their alignment with climate goals.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | Percentage increase in the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | Number of battery factories and electric vehicle assembly plants |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities | Reduction in emissions from vehicles in urban areas |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Inclusion of climate change measures in national policies and planning |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: nytimes.com
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