The Biden Administration's push to mandate electric vehicles (EVs) is shaping up to be a direct attack on the middle class. While EVs are touted by some as the future of transportation, their hefty price tags and reliance on foreign materials paint a different picture.
There are significant downsides to mandating EVs that need to be considered, as requiring electric cars across the board could have detrimental effects on affordability and national security.
First, the cost of electric vehicles is significantly higher than that of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. On average, EVs can be $10,000 to $20,000 more expensive than their gasoline counterparts. This stark price difference places a considerable financial burden on American families, making EVs inaccessible to a large portion of the population.
The materials required for EV batteries are another concerning issue. A large proportion of these materials, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, are sourced from China, which holds a dominant position in the global supply chain. This dependence on China for critical raw materials raises concerns about national security and economic stability. Should geopolitical tensions rise, the U.S. could face significant disruptions in the supply of these essential materials, driving up costs even further and potentially making vehicles even more unaffordable for Americans.
On the House Floor, I specifically focus on the negatives of electric trucks. Industry leaders from Wisconsin have told me the cost of electric semi-trucks can be over $330,000, compared to $130,000 for trucks with diesel engines, while the driving range is around 325 miles, compared to over 1,200 for diesel. Lets not forget if trucks switch to electric it will also affect you, the consumer.
Click below to watch my speech from the House Floor addressing these concerns.
