Vice President Kamala Harris, once a staunch supporter of federal rules mandating electric vehicle (EV) production, has seemingly changed her stance. According to a recent report by Alex Thompson and Ben Geman of Axios, Harris’ campaign stated that she “does not support an electric vehicle mandate,” marking a significant shift from her previous positions.

A History of Support for EVs

As a U.S. senator, Harris co-sponsored the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act of 2019, which aimed to phase out non-zero-emission vehicles by 2040. During her presidential run in 2019, she pledged to implement federal rules requiring half of all new vehicles sold by 2030 to be zero-emission, increasing to 100 percent by 2035. However, her campaign recently declined to comment on whether she would sign or veto a bill like the ones she previously supported.

Political Motivations?

This shift in Harris’ position aligns with political calculations. Polling by the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers indicates that most Americans, including a majority of Republicans and independents and a plurality of Democrats, oppose bans on gas-powered cars. This sentiment is echoed in battleground states crucial for Harris’ presidential ambitions.

Sen. Pete Ricketts (R–Neb.) criticized Harris’ reversal, stating, “Vice President Harris is lying about her supposed opposition to an EV mandate. This sudden reversal just months before the election is a pathetic and transparent attempt to distance herself from the unpopular EV mandates already being pushed by the Biden-Harris EPA.”

Market Trends and Consumer Preferences

The cooling demand for fully electric vehicles supports Harris’ pivot. Automakers are reinvesting in hybrids, recognizing that many drivers are not ready to completely abandon internal combustion engines. Ford Motor Co. CEO Jim Farley noted, “Many of our hybrids in the U.S. are now more profitable than their non-hybrid equivalent. We should stop talking about it as transitional technology.”

EVXL’s Take

Harris’ shift underscores the complex interplay between politics and the EV revolution. While political expediency may dictate short-term strategies, the long-term benefits of EVs remain undeniable. As seen in recent articles on Tesla, the industry continues to innovate and adapt to consumer preferences. The bigger picture is that EVs are here to stay, and their adoption will ultimately be driven by market demand and technological advancements.

Recent Developments in the EV Industry

The EV industry continues to evolve rapidly, with significant developments shaping its future. BYD, China’s top electric vehicle maker, has recently put its Mexico factory plans on hold until after the US election, reflecting the impact of political uncertainty on the industry. This decision, along with Tesla‘s similar pause on its planned mega-factory in Mexique, highlights the complex interplay between international trade policies and EV manufacturing strategies.

Meanwhile, electric vehicles are leading the charge in record-breaking auto incentives, with EV incentives outpacing the overall auto market. This trend indicates a continued push towards EV adoption, despite the political uncertainties surrounding mandates and regulations.

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