Thousands Of Auto Dealers Call On Biden To 'Tap The Brakes' On Costly EV Push

On Tuesday, a coalition of over 3,000 auto dealers issued a letter to President Joe Biden pleading that he rethink his electric vehicle strategy as Americans struggle to afford even a new gas-powered car, let alone a costly EV, which has an average cost of $53,469. The dealer coalition is made up of businesses across the 50 states and takes aim at recent emission standards the Biden administration set at the beginning of the year that have put considerable strain on the auto industry. 

"These vehicles are ideal for many people, and we believe their appeal will grow over time," the dealers wrote, as reported by Fox News. "The reality, however, is that electric vehicle demand today is not keeping up with the large influx of BEVs [battery electric vehicles] arriving at our dealerships prompted by the current regulations. BEVs are stacking up on our lots."

"Last year, there was a lot of hope and hype about EVs," the group explained. "Early adopters formed an initial line and were ready to buy these vehicles as soon as we had them to sell. But that enthusiasm has stalled. Today, the supply of unsold BEVs is surging, as they are not selling nearly as fast as they are arriving at our dealerships -- even with deep price cuts, manufacturer incentives, and generous government incentives."

The dealers went on to explain that the standards adopted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), notably those related to tailpipe emissions, were too arduous and "unrealistic based on current and forecasted customer demand." The dealers go on to explain that electric vehicles lack the necessary infrastructure, such as charging stations, to actually be on the roads. As reported by The Daily Caller News Foundation, the White House set aside billions of dollars in funding for EV chargers in the infrastructure bill. However, not a single charger has been built as many Americans turn their back on EVs thanks to the lack of range reliability and the limited areas to charge the vehicle while on the road.

"Mr. President, it is time to tap the brakes on the unrealistic government electric vehicle mandate. Allow time for the battery technology to advance. Allow time to make BEVs more affordable. Allow time to develop domestic sources for the minerals to make batteries," the group of dealers stated. "Allow time for the charging infrastructure to be built and prove reliable. And most of all, allow time for the American consumer to get comfortable with the technology and make the choice to buy an electric vehicle."

President Biden's continued push of his Green New Deal agenda to force half of all vehicle sales to be electric by 2030 is proving extremely costly not only for the consumer but for the dealers who serve as middlemen with car manufacturers. The increase in regulations is prompting car prices to skyrocket and Americans to suffer. Biden should heed the advice of the car dealers and rethink his EV strategy before Americans are turned off by the new technology altogether.

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