Automakers get more time to ramp up EVs under final EPA emissions rules

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday its final automobile tailpipe emissions standards allow additional time for the automotive sector to scale up supply chains for electric vehicles and other alternative fuel powertrains in the latter half of the decade than it would have under a previous proposal.

The change partially shows the Biden administration bowing to requests by the automotive industry and the United Auto Workers, both of which represent a key voting demographic and called for moderation in regulations in light of slowing growth in EV sales. The rules, though, remain the "strongest-ever pollution standards for cars," according to an EPA news release.

Consumers remain hesitant to buy into all-electric vehicles because of high prices, limited charging infrastructure, charging speeds slower than filling a tank of gas and grid reliability concerns. Those circumstances have fueled criticism on the campaign trail of President Joe Biden from expected Republican nominee Donald Trump who has indicated he would seek to overturn the Biden rules if elected.