The American government wants to boost sales of electric cars and reduce environmental pollution through new strict emissions regulations. In 2032, two-thirds of all new cars sold could be powered by an electric motor and almost half of vans, minibuses and smaller delivery vehicles, according to the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Greenhouse gases are to be halved by the new rules.

Winand von Petersdorff-Campen

Economic correspondent in Washington.

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The proposed emission rules are to apply to new cars built between 2027 and 2032. Compared to the other important car markets of Europe and China, the USA is far behind in the electrification of its car fleet, but shows significant growth rates. Last year, the market share of newly registered electric cars was 5.6 percent, while Europe had 12 percent and in China around 20 percent.

Tax credit of up to 7500 dollars

The American initiative is embedded in a tax subsidy program. Buyers can earn a tax credit of up to $7500 when purchasing electric vehicles if their production takes into account certain rules, such as building in an American plant. The leading American car companies all have ambitious electric car plans, but their lobbyists regularly warn of obstacles to the electrification of the car fleet.

This includes the charging infrastructure, which still leaves white spots in large parts of the country. There are currently around 150,000 conventional filling stations in the USA and around 12,000 locations with charging stations. Some of them only serve Tesla vehicles, although Tesla CEO Elon Musk has promised to open up to other car models.

The German government is investing billions in the expansion. A new boost could come from the retail chain Walmart, which wants to set up charging stations in thousands of stores. A charging process takes between 20 minutes and an hour. It is significantly extended, for example, if more than one car is attached to the charging station.

Conservative buyers' strike

Political polarization could prove to be another obstacle. According to a new Gallup poll, 71 percent of Republican Party voters said they would never buy an electric car. Of the non-partisan citizens, 38 percent rejected the purchase of electric cars, among voters of the Democrats, according to the Gallup poll, 17 percent refuse to buy an electric car.

Obviously, the conservative buyers' strike is closely linked to ideas about climate change. Of those surveyed for whom global warming is a major concern, almost 80 percent are considering buying an electric vehicle. Of those who say they are unimpressed by climate change, almost 80 percent also say they would not buy an electric car. Car companies have been trying for some time to no longer market their electric cars as environmentally friendly vehicles, but as luxury cars with the highest performance values.

Another obstacle to the expansion of the American electric car fleet is the trade conflict with China. Many of the minerals used for battery chemistry are mainly mined, processed or produced by companies under Chinese influence. The car manufacturer Ford, for example, is cooperating with a Chinese supplier on the construction of a new battery factory in Michigan and is investing in a nickel factory in Indonesia together with a Chinese partner.

Conservative politicians have therefore announced a law that such projects may not be promoted by the e-car subsidies. The head of the Federal Environment Agency. Michael Regan, meanwhile, spreads confidence. Under the Biden administration, the market share and the selection of electric cars have increased significantly.