Donald Trump's Speech Influence On US EV Policy And Global Electrification

JAKARTA - Former US President Donald Trump recently took advantage of his nomination speech at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee to criticize President Joe Biden's electric vehicle (EV) policy.

Bloomberg reported, quoted Tuesday, July 23, that Trump promised to end the mandate of electric vehicles on his first day in office as president. Trump stated that this move would save the United States (US) automotive industry from "total collapse" and save US customers thousands of dollars per car.

Trump's speech highlighted his disapproval of Biden's push to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles. Biden's policy includes massive incentives for EV manufacturers and consumers, as well as massive charging infrastructure investments. Biden believes that this transition is important to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.

However, Trump argues that the mandate of electric vehicles will damage the traditional automotive industry, which still relies heavily on fossil fuel vehicles. He claims that this policy will result in the loss of jobs in the automotive sector and higher costs for consumers. Trump also stressed that not all consumers are ready or able to switch to EVs, and that inadequate charging infrastructure is a major obstacle.

Potential Impact On US Automotive Industry

If Trump returns to power and actually terminates the mandate of electric vehicles, the impact on the US auto industry could be significant. Car manufacturers who have invested billions of dollars in EV development may have to re-adjust their strategy. This could result in delays or even cancellations of several EV projects, which in turn could affect supply and innovation in the industry.

In addition, manufacturers who have relied on government incentives to attract EV consumers may face difficulties in maintaining competitive prices without such support. This could reduce EV demand and slow down the adoption of green technology that is more environmentally friendly.

Global Switch to Electrification

Outside the US, the global shift to electrification continues at different speeds. Many countries in Europe and Asia have set ambitious targets to stop selling fossil fuel vehicles in the coming decades. These policies are driven by commitments to reduce carbon emissions and address the global climate crisis.

While Trump's policies, if elected, may hamper EV adoption in the US, its influence on the global switch may also have a major impact on the global industry considering the US is a world leader.

Donald Trump's nomination speech and promises to end the mandate of electric vehicles reflect his skepticism about aggressive environmental policies. While this move may have the support of some industry and consumer groups, its impact on the US automotive industry and the global shift to electrification remains to be seen. What is clear is that the future of electric vehicles and global efforts to reduce carbon emissions will continue to be an important issue in politics and economic policy in the years to come.