The Biden administration has unveiled plans to allocate $12 billion in grants and loans to support the American auto industry’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs). These funds will aid the conversion of existing auto plants for EV production and boost domestic manufacturing of batteries and battery materials.
The initiative aligns with President Biden’s goal of having 50% of all new cars sold in the United States be electric by 2030. The funds will be made available through the Department of Energy’s Loan Program Office and the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) loan program, which was established in 2008 to assist automakers in developing fuel-efficient vehicles.
The move was praised by environmental groups and labor unions, with the Sierra Club calling it a “major step forward in the fight against climate change,” and the United Auto Workers union stating that it would create well-paying union jobs and make America a clean energy leader in the 21st century.
While some automakers have expressed concerns about the cost of transitioning to electric vehicles, the Biden administration aims to level the playing field and enhance EV affordability for consumers through this investment.
This funding is part of the administration’s broader efforts to combat climate change, with a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The $12 billion commitment represents a significant stride toward the adoption of electric vehicles and the growth of the clean energy economy in the United States.
By FCCT Editorial Team
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