FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2018
Contact: Noah Barnes, Plug In America
(323) 333-8010
nbarnes@pluginamerica.org
EPA Announcement on Revising the Clean Car Standard is a Huge Step Backwards for Clean Cars, New Technology
LOS ANGELES – Yesterday the Trump Administration announced its intention to weaken the fuel efficiency standards for cars manufactured in years 2022-2025. The announcement kicks off a long process to review the fuel efficiency standards again, allow higher-polluting cars to remain on the roads for years and delay U.S. production of technologically advanced electric cars, even as this technology rapidly moves forward in Europe and Asia.
“This is extremely frustrating and a huge step backwards for all clean cars, including electric vehicles,” stated Joel Levin, Executive Director of Plug In America. “Automakers can meet these standards with clean cars – like electric cars – on the market today, cars that consumers want to buy. Electric cars are more powerful, quieter, cleaner, cheaper and easier to fuel and maintain. The future of transportation is electric, which is why every major automaker has already announced the release of one or more electric cars by 2020.”
“Opening the standards again for review and a roll back is counter to what Americans actually want. Sales of electric cars in 2017 were up 27% over the previous year, and in February alone, we’ve seen a 35% increase in consumers purchasing clean electric cars.”
“We need to be leading the way with investment in this cutting edge new technology and creating jobs in the U.S. Because of their advanced technology, most electric cars sold in the U.S. are built in the U.S., in places like California, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, South Carolina and Tennessee.”
Surveys of consumers have found growing interest in purchasing electric cars. On average, fueling a car with electricity is roughly the same as gas at $1 per gallon, thanks to their performance efficiency and the lower cost of electricity. (Department of Energy) Cars powered by electricity from the local grid currently produce 54 percent less (lifetime) carbon pollution than gasoline cars, which could grow to 71 percent by 2050 as our power supply gets cleaner. (NRDC, 2015)
About Plug In America
Plug In America is the nation’s leading independent consumer voice for accelerating the use of plug-in electric vehicles in the United States. Formed as a non-profit in 2008, Plug In America provides practical, objective information collected from our coalition of plug-in vehicle drivers, through public outreach and education, policy work and a range of technical advisory services. Our expertise represents the world’s deepest pool of experience of driving and living with plug-in vehicles. The organization conceived National Drive Electric Week and has advanced workplace charging by pioneering ride and-drive events at such leading corporations as Google, Mattel and Paramount Pictures. We drive electric. You can too. www.pluginamerica.org
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