US to lift strict vehicle emissions rules

President Biden's administration has announced a relaxation of new rules limiting vehicle emissions. The move will allow automakers more time to transition to zero-emission electric vehicles.

The previous requirements proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) required that by 2032, electric vehicles should account for 67% of new passenger car sales and 46% of new mid-size car sales. And under the new standards, the automotive industry will have more time to reduce the cost of electric vehicles and improve charging station infrastructure. The change comes after union leaders pressured the administration for a more flexible timeline for the EV industry and increased union membership among workers at new EV plants in the US.

Reasons for the delays in the transition to electric vehicles include the supply chain's inability to accommodate large electric trucks and SUVs. Such vehicles require significant changes in production and infrastructure.

Source: The New York Times