Senate Democrats have scrapped the Biden Administration’s proposed EV incentive plan for union-built vehicles after receiving pushback from West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin.
The proposed incentive plan, introduced as part of Biden’s Build Back Better plan last year, proposed a $7,500 rebate on EVs, with an additional $4,500 available to American-made EVs assembled in union facilities and another $500 if the vehicle had an American-made battery pack. The plan received pushback from Manchin in the Senate and a lobby of foreign automakers that included Volkswagen, Toyota, Hyundai, Nissan, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Mazda, Subaru and Volvo, which claimed the plan would unfairly disadvantage non-unionized American workers. Tesla CEO Elon Musk also hit back against the proposal.
Joe Britton, Director of the Zero Emission Transportation Association trade association, told Bloomberg the EV incentive plan now includes the $7,500 base credit only, although discussions to remove the 200,000 vehicle cap to receive tax credits are ongoing. GM surpassed the 200,000 vehicle threshold in 2019, so its vehicles have not qualified for EV tax rebates for a few years.
Manchin also said this week he believes the incentive plan may still need further revisions, as foreign automakers would still qualify for the incentive, while American brands like Tesla and GM have surpassed the 200,000 unit threshold, and therefore would not. “Any foreign vehicle that is an electric vehicle is going to be able to claim a $7,500 credit,” Manchin said, as quoted by Bloomberg. “I don’t think that’s our intent.”
The Biden Admin’s EV incentives would only be available for EVs at a certain price point. Sedans under $55,000 and vans under $54,000 would qualify for the incentives, while SUVs under $69,000 and pickups under $74,000 would also fall in line. Several current GM EVs would therefore qualify, including the Chevy Bolt EV, Chevy Bolt EUV and certain versions of the Cadillac Lyriq.
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Comments
Seems like Manchin is the only Democrat left with something resembling a brain.
And good grief, what an awful president.
I’m not sure why this even comes up. The manufacturers at this moment in time cannot meet demand. Why would you provide an incentive?
I’m just curious how much EVs would be with no incentive altogether? Should be criminal if a car manufacturer is exploiting the incentive as an excuse to increase prices.
That’s exactly what their doing.
“their” doing?? try “They’re” doing
Union made means American made. Simple as that. Seems like Manchin is putting his own interests over American jobs.
As production ramps up in Mexico…..even after the huge bailout?
While the bailout may have saved GM’s rearend, the optics of it, with all of the subsequent outsourcing, looks just plain awful to many like me.
The German and South Koreans are unionized
“American made is Union made” , how does Tesla fit into that statement?
UNION MADE means higher prices because of too many benefits.
Wow, stole my name again? What’s wrong with you?
Why do we need EV incentives when 81 million voted for “the Green Party?” There should be orders beyond orders, (discounting of course those received by mail).
EV subsidies only for small BEVs up to $30,000 including taxes. The poorer people are helped here and these are small cars weighing up to 3000 pounds and 200 HP – see Chevy Bolts.
Anyone who buys large vehicles does not need any subsidies and the trade should also pay for the vehicles themselves.
Why subsidize EV pickups “work trucks” when these companies are rich!
Conclusion:
EV subsidies only for small cars like the Chevy Bolt and they must be locally produced.
An EV car from China or Europe for US customers is probably not ecological for subsidies.
I agree with that sentiment to a point, only to help those who just can’t afford it. However, government does not have a good record of sticking to the original plan or the original number. Student loans and the bailouts are one example .
All of a sudden, there will be millions of Dems “ who just can’t afford it”.
Government is best when it’s smaller and just lets markets do their efficient thing. And we all end up with lower taxes , less debt and less inflation.
Item in this morning’s news here in Massachusetts: President Obama is installing a 2500-gallon propane tank at his home on Mattha’s Vineyard for his energy needs. “Do as I say, not as I do”
In spite of my conservatism I voted for Obama in 2008, I really was optimistic about his presidency, because I saw a true Lincoln opportunity to destroy the last vestiges of racism in our beautiful country. He failed that opportunity from the start. Very sad how politics can be so ugly. He should have been the Great Uniter.
Obama was the most divisive pres we have ever had.
Yeah I agree, that kid keeps stealing my name and posting.
MOST DEFINITELY!!!
Obama was the most divisive pres we have ever had.
Old liver spots has really screwed things up.