The U.S. government should promote electric cars by ensuring that they support good jobs and wage levels. Such government support should also safeguard union jobs. The recipients of federal EV funds should support the right of workers to organize and avoid mandatory meetings that discourage unionization. This would go a long way in encouraging investment in domestic manufacturing. But the federal government should do more. It should enforce federal standards to protect workers. Here are a few suggestions.
First, policymakers should focus federal funding on developing and expanding EV infrastructure. By supporting EV manufacturing, they will also support the creation of high-quality American jobs, and will ensure U.S. competitiveness on the global stage. Second, federal funding for EV infrastructure should be contingent on the quality of job creation, as well as domestic content requirements. Lastly, federal funding should be linked to a comprehensive plan that encourages rapid vehicle electrification while creating high-quality jobs.
Third, federal policy can spur the adoption of stricter standards and drive greater EV production and fleet turnover. Federal policy can also enact a carbon tax, which would encourage more people to purchase electric cars and reduce petroleum-based vehicles. Further, EV adoption is crucial to meet the challenges of climate change, and an increase in oil prices and supplies could significantly impact the economy. If policymakers pursue these goals, it will be possible to reduce air pollution and boost energy supplies at the same time.
Third, government policy can spur the adoption of EVs by supporting incentives for battery/cell manufacturing and building the electric infrastructure needed to support the adoption of electric vehicles. Federal purchasing of hybrid vehicles is another way to promote the use of electric cars. Carbon tax incentives may also be one way of promoting the adoption of electric vehicles. And a national strategy for EVs should include an education and awareness campaign. Without a clear national vision, manufacturers and consumers will be hesitant to invest in these vehicles pklikes.com.
Third, promoting EVs will support domestic manufacturing. Currently, the auto industry contributes 3.5 percent of the country’s GDP. In the United States, 325,000 electric cars were produced last year, while China and Germany produced more than one million of these cars. With these numbers, government-supported investments in electric vehicles will help keep American workers competitive in the global marketplace and maintain domestic manufacturing. Its benefits go far beyond the economic growth of electric vehicles.
Lastly, government investment in EV production will spur the economy. Consumer purchase incentives and new federal investments in charging infrastructure will help increase EV production. These programs will also create jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. In short, government investment in electric cars will increase the demand for the electric car. So, what are the benefits of promoting EVs? There are several. The first two are well worth it. So, why not try both?
The third benefit is the climate-friendly emissions that electric cars generate. These cars are more efficient than their gas-powered counterparts, lowering greenhouse gas emissions. And because they are more environmentally friendly, promoting electric vehicles should be part of the federal government’s green policy. The goal of the new administration is to promote electric cars, but this is not the end of the story. There is a long way to go before this trend is embraced nationwide.