Are we still convinced that electric vehicles are the best way forward?

[teamzr1]

Anchorage, Alaska — A cargo ship that had been delivering new electric vehicles to Mexico sank in the North Pacific Ocean, weeks after crew members abandoned ship when they couldn’t extinguish an onboard fire that left the carrier dead in the water.
The Morning Midas sank Monday in international water off Alaska’s Aleutian Islands chain, the ship’s management company, London-based Zodiac Maritime, said in a statement.

“There is no visible pollution,” claims Petty Officer Cameron Snell, an Alaska-based U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson.
Right now, we also have vessels on scene to respond to any pollution.

Fire damage compounded by bad weather and water seepage caused the carrier to sink in waters about 16,404 feet deep and about 415 miles from land, the statement said.

The ship was loaded with about 3,000 new vehicles intended for a major Pacific port in Mexico.
It was not immediately clear if any of the cars were removed before it sank, and Zodiac Maritime did not immediately respond to messages Tuesday.
A savage crew arrived days after the fire disabled the vehicle.

Two salvage tugs containing pollution control equipment will remain on scene to monitor for any signs of pollution or debris, the company said. The crew members of those two ships were not injured when the Morning Midas sank.
Zodiac Maritime said it is also sending another specialized pollution response vessel to the location as an added precaution.

The Coast Guard said it received a distress alert June 3 about a fire aboard the Morning Midas, which then was roughly 300 miles southwest of Adak Island.
There were 22 crew members onboard the Morning Midas.
All evacuated to a lifeboat and were rescued by a nearby merchant marine vessel. There were no injuries.

Among the cars were about 1870 fully electric and about 1080 hybrid vehicles.
A large plume of smoke was initially seen at the ship’s stern coming from the deck loaded with electric vehicles, the Coast Guard and Zodiac Maritime said at the time.
Adak is about 1,200 miles west of Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city.

The 600-foot Morning Midas was built in 2006 and sailed under a Liberian flag.
The car and truck carrier left Yantai, China, on May 26 en route to Mexico, according to the industry site marinetraffic.com.

A Dutch safety board in a recent report called for improving emergency response on North Sea shipping routes after another deadly 2023 fire aboard a freighter that was carrying 3,000 automobiles, including nearly 1500 electric vehicles, from Germany to Singapore.

One person was killed and others injured in the fire, which burned out of control for a week.
That ship was eventually towed to a Netherlands port for salvage.

 

[teamzr1]

Good day it was
Today a huge federal bill finally got passed by both the house and senate and will be signed into law Friday, July 4th 2025 by President Trump

In Part
1. EV mandate was killed off
2. EV incentive was a conjob where anyone could get $7,500 in our tax dollars by getting a new EV that most never indented to even make one loan payment and shipping the EV to mexico to be stripped down or sold there
3. Killed off the State of Ca trying to dictate to all the USA as to EV requirements
4. Killed off the biden tailpipe emissions law trying to kill off fuel mileage to force all EVs being sold

 

[teamzr1]

Volvo Car AB is taking an impairment charge of $1.2 billion due to delays to some of its electric models and the escalating cost of tariffs.

Past development setbacks and duties in the United States have hit Volvo’s battery-powered models, the EX90 sport utility vehicle and ES90 sedan. The effect of the one-time non-cash charge on net income will be $936 million in the second quarter, the carmaker said Monday.
Its shares declined 4.4% at the close in Stockholm, the steepest drop since April. The stock is down around a quarter this year.

“Due to import tariffs, the company is currently unable to sell the Volvo ES90 profitably in the United States, while ES90 margins are also under pressure in Europe for the same reason,” the company said in a statement.

The Sweden-based automaker, controlled by China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., is among the more tariff-exposed global car brands and has previously said it’s looking into adding more production at its US plant. Volvo is also struggling to attract EV buyers in the highly competitive Chinese market, despite its access to the Geely ecosystem.

Chief Executive Officer Hakan Samuelsson, who was brought back in April, is pushing through a sweeping $1.9 billion efficiency program after Volvo suffered a 60% plunge in first-quarter operating income.

 

[teamzr1]

General Motors has announced plans to expand production of gas-powered vehicles and SUVs in Michigan, as well as the manufacturing of pickup trucks.

The Detroit-based auto manufacturer said in a statement on Tuesday that it will “begin production of the Cadillac Escalade, as well as the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light duty pickups at Orion Assembly in early 2027 to help meet continued strong customer demand.”

The Escalade is produced in Arlington, Texas, while the Silverado and Sierra trucks are made at an assembly plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana, which will continue to produce the vehicles.

The move builds on GM’s plans to invest $4 billion in U.S. facilities, which the automaker announced in June. That announcement came after President Donald Trump earlier this year implemented 25% tariffs on imported vehicles and 25% duties on many auto parts imported into the U.S.

It also builds on the automaker’s gas-powered vehicle production.
The Orion Assembly plant in suburban Detroit, which is being retooled for gas products, was expected to be its second electric vehicle-exclusive plant in the U.S.
The announcement comes after GM CEO Mary Barra mandated in 2021 that the company would exclusively offer EVs by 2035, citing carbon emissions.

“For General Motors, our most significant carbon impact comes from tailpipe emissions of the vehicles that we sell in our case, it’s 75 percent,” Barra said at the time. “That is why it is so important that we accelerate toward a future in which every vehicle we sell is a zero-emissions vehicle.”
Dane Parker, former GM chief sustainability officer, predicted that moving to EVs would be a successful business model.

“We feel this is going to be the successful business model of the future,” he said in 2021. “We know there are hurdles, we know there are technology challenges, but we’re confident that with the resources we have and the expertise we have that we’ll overcome those challenges and this will be a business model that we will be able to thrive in the future.”

While GM has seen a surge in EV sales recently, overall customer demand for EVs have not met expectations.
“For years, the automotive industry has been in a state of EV euphoria. Automakers trotted out optimistic sales forecasts for electric models and announced ambitious targets for EV growth. Wall Street boosted valuations for legacy automakers and startup entrants alike, based in part on their visions for an EV future,”

“Now the hype is dwindling, and companies are again cheering consumer choice. Automakers from Ford Motor and General Motors to Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin are scaling back or delaying their electric vehicle plans,” it added.

 

[teamzr1]

After promising a fleet of tens of thousands of electric vehicles for the United States Postal Service,
President Biden's 2022 Inflation Reduction Act has spent $1.7 billion of taxpayer money and has procured only 250 electric mail trucks.

"The Biden administration’s so-called 'Inflation Reduction Act' funneled billions into a failed USPS EV project that has delivered nothing but delays, defective trucks, and skyrocketing costs," said Representative Michael Cloud (R-Texas).
"Three years later, taxpayers are still waiting while the Postal Service refuses to provide basic transparency on where the money went.
The 'Return to Sender Act' takes back the $3 billion in taxpayer money that has been wasted in this project."

Former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy who signed off on the Oshkosh contract left his position earlier this year. He was succeeded by David Steiner whose new position became official on Monday.
DeJoy brushed off the contract failure by saying that he was "in the parcel delivery business, not the vehicle manufacturing business,"

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Cloud introduced the "Return to Sender Act" back in March 2025, in an attempt to terminate the $3 billion contract intended to build an electric vehicle fleet for the U.S. Postal Service.
The funding for these vehicles came partially from the "Inflation Reduction Act" authorized by President Biden in 2022.

While the order was for 35,000 trucks, Wisconsin-based contractor Oshkosh has produced less than 300 of the promised electric vehicles after two years and many of those are already broken

“Biden’s EV postal fleet is lost in the mail.
The order needs to be canceled with the unspent money returned to the sender, the taxpayers,” said Ernst.
“I am working to cancel the order and return the money to the sender, the American people. The rescissions package is a great start, but Congress must keep its foot on the pedal and make DOGE a lifestyle by stamping out waste like this on a regular basis.”

 

[teamzr1]

Gas prices are “laying low” in President Donald Trump’s second term, according to a recent update from AAA.

“In the thick of summer, gas prices are laying low with the national average for a gallon of regular going down one cent from a week ago to $3.16,” AAA wrote in a July 17 press release, noting that prices at the gas pump now match the prices seen four years ago in the summer of 2021. It notes that was the last time gas prices were “this low.”

The average national gas price on July 18, 2025, is around $3.155 for unleaded, dropping from last week’s average of $3.167.
One month ago, the average stood at $3.187. Further, the average last year stood at $3.505.
This new reality comes as America continues to recover from record-high gas prices experienced under the Biden administration — particularly at the start of summer 2022.

“Here’s the situation. And when it comes to the gas prices, we’re going through an incredible transition that is taking place that, God-willing, when it’s over, we’ll be stronger and the world will be stronger and less reliant on fossil fuels when this is over,” President Joe Biden said at the time, as prices continued to skyrocket.

Americans saw the highest recorded gas prices on June 14, 2022, as regular unleaded gas averaged $5.016. Just days later, on June 19, 2022, diesel reached an all-time high average of $5.815.
Trump made it a priority to unleash U.S. energy on day one of his second term, taking executive action titled “Unleashing American Energy,” which reads in part:

It is thus in the national interest to unleash America’s affordable and reliable energy and natural resources. This will restore American prosperity — including for those men and women who have been forgotten by our economy in recent years. It will also rebuild our Nation’s economic and military security, which will deliver peace through strength.

“Prices at the pump keep dropping thanks to President Trump unleashing American energy,” White House Assistant Press Secretary Taylor Rogers told Breitbart News. “President Trump ended Joe Biden’s reckless war on American energy, and he’s making life more affordable for families as a result.”
This coincides with another victory, as the price of fresh eggs fell in June, coming down 61 percent since February.

 

[Nassau65]

My niece’s filled up a couple of my cars this morning in Clearwater FL for their trip to Atlanta GA, they paid $2.75. Trump is keeping gas prices low.

 

[teamzr1]

Some areas as low as $2.52 for regular

 

[Nassau65]

You guys have always had the luxury of cheap fuel. We in the UK have never had it cheap. Reasonable yes ( at times in the distant past) but never cheap.

 

[teamzr1]

We need lots of gas to buzz the rev limiter all the time

 

[teamzr1]

GM backtracking more on EVs and more on gas-engined models

General Motors Co. will continue making gas engined Cadillac's XT5 at its Spring Hill, Tennessee, plant past 2026, the Detroit automaker has confirmed.
"The current-generation Cadillac XT5, an important part of our global portfolio, will remain in production until the end of 2026," spokesperson Kevin Kelly said in a statement. "The XT5 will continue to live-on as a next-generation gas powered vehicle beyond that timeframe."
Commitment to the compact luxury SUV shows continued investment in gas-powered vehicles as electric vehicle adoption lags in the United States.

Executives had sought to electrify the entire Cadillac fleet and phase out production of its gas-powered lineup
. But driver interest in EVs continues to fall behind industry expectations and likely will drop further as $7,500 EV tax credits end in September and the Trump administration seeks to axe emissions regulations.

"As Cadillac evolves, we will continue to make necessary adjustments to our portfolio to meet customer demand," Kelly said.
Cadillac is discontinuing its entry-level, gas-powered XT4 and three-row XT6 SUVs after this model year.
But executives have said the brand will continue to manufacture the gas-powered midsize XT5 and Escalade SUVs.

 

[teamzr1]

American gas-powered vehicles, including the country's iconic pickup trucks, will not die away as drivers have turned their backs on EVs.
The surge in gas engines is due to Donald Trump's push to exile EVs, so the nation's auto industry can thrive especially in Detroit, the 'car capital' of the world.

US automakers are going back to their roots after switching their focus to electric vehicles that first became popular in 2010, and gained more notice in recent years.
Although EVs are meant to be better for the planet, car manufacturers have had to use more resources to keep up with the fuel-efficient standards.

Ford, a top US car brand based out of Detroit, is already gearing up for the shift and changing its lineup by adding more commercial vehicles and large SUVs and taking out some EVs.
'This is a multibillion-dollar opportunity over the next couple of years,' Jim Farley, the Chief Executive of Ford Motors, said in a call with analysts last week.

Trump's car policy changes came after he announced a 25 percent tariff on imported cars that came into effect in April.
Most electric cars sold in the US are already built domestically, meaning they won’t be affected by the tariff.
Still, there are costs associated with EVs that companies have to front.
Because of the push to move back to gas cars, the auto industry is looking up because the fees that come with EVs will start to lower.

With EVs, the industry has to pay regulatory credits and fuel-economy rule-violation fines.
Ford, GM and Stellantis a Dutch automaker have shelled out about $10 billion on regulatory credits and fuel-economy rule-violation fines since 2022, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Although General Motors has hoped to get rid of internal combustion engines by 2035, the company has since changed its tune and told its investors there are benefits to keeping gas cars in the lineup.

During a recent call, Stellantis, who owns car companies like Jeep and Toyota, highlighted how Trump's Big Beautiful Bill allows them to add more gas-powered vehicles to the mix on dealership lots.
'This will mean to us a lot of additional profit,' Antonio Filosa, the CEO of Stellantis, who started the position in June, said.

In a July 29 memo reviewed by WSJ, Stellantis wrote that they would prefer to satisfy its customers demands over anything.
'In these uncertain times of heavy competition and tariffs, there are auto workers all over the world who would happily trade their uncertainty for our customer demand and company commitment,' the company stated.
In recent months, Stellantis, which also owns Ram, has been dealing with part shortages.

Just last week, the automaker had to add shifts to a factory in Michigan in a bid to speed up production for its famed Ram 1500 trucks.
Although the setback was not specifically related to the regulatory charges, Stellantis will thrive from the surge in gas cars by not having to pay millions for fines and fuel-economy rule violations.

In order to see how the new trend will affect the company, Stellantis plans to keep an eye on the production conflict at the Ram Michigan factory regularly.
Companies aren't the only ones excited about the change, as dealerships are also on board.
'Americans do like buying giant vehicles,' Adam Lee, chairman of Maine-based Lee Auto Malls, told the outlet.
'They’re going to see how many more giant SUVs they can pump out, because they sell a lot of them and make a lot of money on them.'

Despite being excited, Lee said he hopes some EVs will still remain.
'Otherwise, we’re going to find out we’re the only country in the world not embracing fuel-efficient vehicles and EVs,' he said.
With the change, several big brands have back-pedaled with their EV plans as they anticipate the shift.

Mary Barra, the CEO of GM, originally dictated to make the company fully EV in 10 years, but now she is mulling the idea that gas-powered cars could come back into play.
With that, her company continues to roll out EV cars, as she thinks the change will actually give GM a chance to sell more of those vehicles.
'It also gives us the opportunity to sell EV vehicles,' Barra stated while on a recent earnings call.
'Excuse me, ICE vehicles, for longer and appreciate the profitability of those vehicles.'

 

[teamzr1]

Vermont Ends Electric Vehicle Mandate, Sparking Debate Over Progressive Policies**
In a surprising turn of events, Vermont's Governor Phil Scott has issued an executive order halting the state's electric vehicle (EV) sales mandate.

This mandate, which sought to require that 35% of all vehicles delivered to Vermont dealerships be zero-emission by the 2026 model year, has been put on pause amid a growing realization that many states are facing challenges aligning with overly ambitious green energy policies.
The recent decision resonates with a significant trend across several states, including Virginia and Maryland, where similar attempts to adopt California-style mandates have been stalled.

Governor Scott highlighted key concerns from auto manufacturers regarding the state's inadequate charging infrastructure and the lack of technological advancements necessary to fulfill such stringent goals.
“It’s clear we don’t have anywhere near enough charging infrastructure and insufficient technological advances in heavy-duty vehicles to meet current goals,” Scott stated, underscoring the practical considerations behind his decision.

Local auto dealers have also welcomed the news, recognizing that the existing demand for EVs in Vermont simply does not match the regulatory expectations set forth by progressive policymakers.
As data shows, only about 14% of new cars registered in the state last year were zero-emission vehicles.

This predicament raises critical questions: if a state like Vermont boasting a favorable EV charging network cannot support such mandates, what does it mean for the rest of the nation, particularly states heavily reliant on fossil fuels?
Moreover, the potential opportunity for neighboring states that have not adopted California's regulations may allow them to capitalize on Vermont's shift, creating a competitive market for traditional gas-powered vehicles.

In light of these developments, the recent House-passed bill aimed at revoking California's waiver to impose strict emissions regulations further amplifies the changing tide in energy policy.
Indeed, with the Trump administration's strong stance in support of maintaining state autonomy in energy matters, it's evident that the narrative surrounding environmental regulations is undergoing a significant transformation.

As states like Vermont reconsider their paths, one wonders if California Governor Gavin Newsom, currently trying to reshape his image, might soon follow suit in delaying or even scrapping his state’s contentious EV mandates, amidst a broader critique of overreaching environmental regulations.
In a political landscape marked by an increasing pushback against overly ambitious green policies, Vermont's decision sheds light on the practical challenges that many states are grappling with, making it clear that the conversation around energy and climate change needs to evolve beyond ideological boundaries.

 

[Chuffer]

I hope that UK politicians sit up and take note as we don`t have the infrastucture to support mass EV charging either .

 

[CaptainK]

Now if only we can also get the car manufacturers to include a manual gearbox option in all their cars. EVs and Auto Petrol/Diesel cars - currently I personally am not interested in them (unless Ferrari, Lambo, Aston, etc). At the end of the day, public roads are slow places, but a manual gearbox in a normal (non-exotica) car makes it more fun to me.

 

[teamzr1]

According to a recent study by S&P Global, it’s clear that Americans have a strong preference for traditional gas-powered vehicles over electric cars, and this trend is not merely influenced by nostalgia.

The report states that owners of combustion engines are keeping their vehicles for an average of 12.5 years, a remarkable increase from previous trends. This contrasts sharply with electric vehicle owners, who are replacing their vehicles every 3.6 years.

This statistic highlights the confidence Americans have in internal combustion vehicles, prized for their reliability, particularly for long-distance travel. Many households maintain at least one gas-powered car to ensure freedom from the limitations often associated with electric vehicles, such as charging infrastructure and range anxiety.

Price inflation across the board has also played a significant role in this trend. Despite the higher initial costs associated with electric vehicles, the operational reliability and robust performance of traditional cars continue to attract buyers.

The longevity of gas-powered vehicles reflects broader economic realities, including supply chain issues and a decline in new car sales, which dropped by 8% last year. As vehicles age and the desire for new models wanes, it is evident that many consumers are prioritizing practicality and familiar technology over the latest electric offerings.

In any discussion of energy and transportation, it is essential to consider the practical implications for American families. Gas-powered vehicles offer a sense of autonomy that many prefer, especially in an era of fluctuating energy costs and a still-evolving electric vehicle market.

The durability of traditional vehicles reinforces a broader narrative: Americans value choices rooted in practicality, reliability, and freedom, often rejecting trends pushed by policymakers and environmental activists without considering their real-world impacts.

As the automotive landscape shifts and evolves, the conviction of American drivers remains unyielding; they continue to favor what they know works over what is merely trending.

With a fleet of more than 284 million vehicles, this represents an increase of more than three times on the previous year. S&P Global sees this as confirmation of its projections: the average lifespan of vehicles is increasing, due in particular to a slowdown in new car sales.
This is the sixth consecutive year that the average age of vehicles has risen, reaching its highest level since the 2008-2009 crisis. At that time, falling demand had already led to an aging fleet.
According to this study, in 2022, supply difficulties, coupled with a fall in demand against a backdrop of slowing inflation and falling interest rates, have accentuated this phenomenon. Sales of new vehicles then fell by 8% on the previous year, reaching their lowest level in more than ten years, with 13.9 million units sold compared with 14.6 million in 2021.

More frequent changes for a more affluent clientele

Several factors explain this increased retention of combustion-powered cars. One of these is the perceived reliability of these models for long journeys. Many households keep at least one internal combustion car, even if it is driven less frequently, to ensure that they have unrestricted autonomy, particularly over long distances.

Price inflation, for both internal combustion and electric models, also plays a role. On the other hand, electric vehicles are generally replaced more quickly: their replacement cycle is estimated at 3.6 years. This frequent renewal is explained in particular by their higher purchase cost, which attracts customers with greater purchasing power who are prepared to change models regularly. Finally, it’s worth pointing out that the electric vehicle market is in the throes of change.
Every year, new, more efficient and innovative models arrive on the market, encouraging motorists to take the plunge. Brands such as Tesla and BYD are contributing to this craze. Once converted to electric power, the vast majority of drivers remain loyal to this type of engine.

In a political climate where energy policies are continually debated, this study provides a timely reminder of consumers’ unwavering preferences. It underscores the importance of considering the market's response as the nation navigates its energy future.

 

[Chuffer]

Keeping vehicles longer reduces the carbon footprint of manufacture and disposal of each vehicle too . That should help appease the `Greenies ` !!

 

[teamzr1]

Now other nameplates are backtracking on their mandate about EVs

Ford Motor Co. is delaying the launch of its next-generation electric commercial van and electric full-size pickup truck to 2028, the Dearborn automaker confirmed Thursday.

They are the latest postponements in a wave of EV product cancellations and delays as the automotive industry realizes demand for expensive EVs with high-cost, large batteries needed to address range anxiety and the charging network to support them just isn't there in the eyes of many U.S. consumers.
That trend likely is set to accelerate with the Trump administration's work to dismantle regulations around greenhouse gas emissions and incentives for EV transactions in what he has characterized as an effective "EV mandate."

Ford nearly a year ago had said it would launch the commercial van in 2026 at its Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake outside Cleveland. At the time, it also had delayed the start of production by 18 months of the full-size pickup truck to the second half of 2027 at the new BlueOval City assembly plant in Stanton, Tennessee, outside Memphis. Pickup prototype production still is set to launch in 2027, Ford spokesperson Jessica Enoch said.
The company communicated about the timing adjustments to suppliers and employees in June, spokesperson Emma Bergg said in a statement.

Ford CEO Jim Farley has said the company won't launch an EV until it can be profitable within a year. The Model e EV division of the company has lost $2.178 billion so far this year. The annual guidance it suspended in May, because of tariffs, for the unit had forecasted a loss of between $5 billion and $5.5 billion.

"Seems they are not optimistic about notable acceleration in EV demand even a couple of years from now," David Whiston, analyst at investment services firm Morningstar Inc., said in an email. "I was hoping they’d tease the pickup truck, but this news makes that less likely they’d show something."

The truck program was known internally as "Project T3" for "trust the truck," a rallying cry for the development team. Farley said it would "revolutionize America's truck" to be simplified and more cost-efficient. BlueOval City was expected to have capacity for 500,000 pickups annually.
Ford has sold under 16,000 F-150 Lightning trucks so far this year. It's sold less than 5,000 E-Transit vans.

A year ago, Ford canceled plans to produce an all-electric, three-row SUV at Oakville Assembly Complex outside Toronto, Ontario, saying it didn't expect the vehicle to be profitable because of the cost associated with the size of its battery, the most expensive part of an EV. Instead, it plans to launch Super Duty trucks there next year.

Farley on an earnings call last week emphasized a multi-energy strategy offering gas-powered, plug-in hybrid, extend-range electric and all-electric vehicles.
"We think that's a much better move than a $60,000 to $70,000 all-electric crossover," he said. "We think that that's really what customers are going to want long-term. And we're investing a lot in more durable ICE powertrains.

It's not just Ford that has changed EV launches. General Motors Co. won't launch additional production of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra electric trucks at Orion Assembly, and is instead building internal combustion engine full-size SUVs and pickups there.
Chrysler parent Stellantis NV also has postponed the launch of its Ram 1500 REV truck. Honda Motor Co. Ltd. also has scaled back EV investment plans from slower-than-expect U.S. demand growth.

 

[teamzr1]

General Motors Co. is slowing production of two electric SUVs at Detroit's Factory Zero plant amid lower-than-expected U.S. interest in battery-powered vehicles.

The automaker confirmed Thursday that it will shut down one shift each for the GMC Hummer EV and Cadillac Escalade IQ from Sept. 2 to Oct. 26; the move was first reported by the Detroit Free Press. Production of the Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV pickups at the Factory Zero Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center will be unchanged.

"Factory ZERO is making temporary adjustments to production to align to market dynamics," spokesperson Kevin Kelly said in a statement. "General Motors updates schedules as part of our standard process of aligning production to manage vehicle inventory. Impacted employees will be placed on a temporary layoff and may be eligible for subpay and benefits in accordance with the GM-UAW national contract."

GM CEO Mary Barra has been dogged in her commitment to electrifying the Detroit automaker's fleet.
But EV adoption in the United States lags behind industry expectations, and the upcoming loss of $7.500 Federal tax incentives for buyers and the rollback of emissions regulations under President Donald Trump likely will further dampen sales.

GM in April temporarily cut about 1200 jobs at the all-electric Factory Zero because of ebbing interest in the electric trucks and SUVs made there.

Ford Motor Co. made its Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn that assembles the F-150 Lightning truck a one-shift operation last year, and it nixed plans to build an all-electric three-row SUV in its Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario.

 

[teamzr1]

Oregon could become the second U.S. state to require electric vehicle owners to enroll in a pay-per-mile program as lawmakers began a special session Friday to fill a $300 million transportation budget hole that threatens basic services like snowplowing and road repairs.
However, the special session got off to a rocky start: The state Senate met as scheduled at 9 a.m., but the state House failed to reach the two-thirds quorum required to conduct business, leaving the session in limbo as of late Friday afternoon.

Legislators failed earlier this year to approve a transportation funding package.
Hundreds of state workers' jobs are at risk, and the proposal for a road usage charge for EV drivers was left on the table.
Hawaii in 2023 was the first state to create a mandatory road usage charge program to make up for projected decreases in fuel tax revenue due to the growing number of electric, hybrid and fuel-efficient cars.
Many other states have studied the concept, and Oregon, Utah and Virginia have voluntary programs.

The concept has promise as a long-term funding solution, experts say. Others worry about privacy concerns and discouraging people from buying EVs, which can help reduce transportation emissions.
“This is a pretty major change,” said Liz Farmer, an analyst for The Pew Charitable Trusts’ state fiscal policy team, noting “the challenge in enacting something that’s dramatically different for most drivers.”

Oregon's transportation woes

Oregon's transportation department says the budget shortfall stems from inflation, projected declines in gas tax revenue and other spending limits.
Over the summer, it sent layoff notices to nearly 500 workers and announced plans to close a dozen road maintenance stations.
Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek paused those moves and called the special session to find a solution.
Republican lawmakers say the department mismanaging its money is a main issue.

Kotek's proposal includes an EV road usage charge that is equivalent to 5% of the state's gas tax.
It also includes raising the gas tax by 6 cents to 46 cents per gallon, among other fee increases.

The usage charge would phase in starting in 2027 for certain EVs and expand to include hybrids in 2028.
Should the gas tax increase be approved, EV drivers either would pay about 2.3 cents per mile, or choose an annual flat fee of $340.
Drivers in the program wouldn't have to pay supplemental registration fees.

Drivers would have several options for reporting mileage to private contractors, including a spying smartphone app or the vehicle's telematics technology, said Scott Boardman, policy adviser for the transportation department who works on the state's decade-old voluntary road usage charge program.
Republican lawmakers, who have opposed the tax and fee increases, unveiled a different proposal Friday that largely focuses on lifting restrictions on how the transportation department can spend money on maintenance operations. It does not include a road usage charge.
As of May, there were over 84,000 EVs registered in Oregon, about 2% of the state's total vehicles, he said.

Hawaii launches program

Under Hawaii's program, which began phasing in last month, EV drivers can pay $8 per 1,000 miles driven, capped at $50, or an annual fee of $50.
In 2028, all EV drivers will be required to enroll in the pay-per-mile program, with odometers read at annual inspections.
By 2033, the program is expected to expand to all light-duty vehicles.

Questions about privacy and fairness

In past surveys commissioned by Oregon's transportation department, respondents cited privacy, Spying GPS devices and data security as concerns about road usage charges.

Oregon's voluntary program has sought to respond to such concerns by deleting mileage data 30 days after a payment is received, Boardman said. While plug-in GPS devices are an option in the program, transportation officials anticipate moving away from them because they're more expensive and can be removed, he added.

Still, not everyone has embraced a road usage charge. Arizona voters will decide next year whether to ban state and local governments from implementing a tax or fee based on miles traveled, after the measure was referred to the ballot by the Republican-majority Legislature.
Many people don't realize that "both your vehicle and your cellphone capture immense amounts of data about your personal driving habits already,” said Brett Morgan, Oregon transportation policy director for the nonprofit Climate Solutions.

Morgan added that road usage charges exceeding what drivers of internal combustion engines would pay in gas taxes could dissuade people from buying electric and hybrid cars. Already, federal tax incentives for EVs are set to expire under the tax and spending cut bill recently passed by the GOP-controlled Congress.

“We are definitely supportive of a road usage charge that has EVs paying their fair share, but they should not be paying extra or a penalty,” Morgan said.