electric vehicles
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The Postal Service’s new electric delivery trucks focus on safety and utility
The U.S. Postal Service’s new delivery vehicles, launched in Athens, Georgia, offer postal carriers improved safety, comfort, and efficiency, with plans to expand nationwide by 2028.
In short:
- New USPS delivery vehicles feature air conditioning, modern safety features, and roomier designs to replace aging, unreliable trucks.
- The majority of the new fleet will be electric, with the USPS committing to electrify all future vehicle purchases starting in 2026.
- Environmental lawsuits and government funding pushed USPS to embrace electric trucks, helping reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2030.
Key quote:
“With the climate crisis at our doorsteps, electrifying the U.S. government’s largest fleet will deliver the progress we’ve been waiting for.”
— Katherine García, Sierra Club
Why this matters:
The Postal Service’s shift to electric vehicles and modern safety standards reduces operational costs, improves worker safety, and cuts emissions. These efforts align with broader national goals to combat climate change.
Related EHN coverage:
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Automakers reduce focus on electric vehicles amid slower adoption
Major automakers are slowing down their electrification plans, citing lower-than-expected consumer demand for EVs, even as sales continue to grow.
In short:
- Ford has delayed the release of some EV models and cut its EV development budget by $12 billion, citing cost concerns.
- Mercedes-Benz pushed back its goal for 50% EV sales from 2025 to 2030, citing market conditions, while Volvo and Volkswagen have softened their EV plans.
- EV sales are growing, but slower than expected, leading automakers to re-emphasize hybrids as a bridge to full electrification.
Key quote:
“The expansion of the plants will depend on how the market for e-cars develops.”
— Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen chief technology officer
Why this matters:
Despite EV sales rising, the shift away from internal combustion engines is slower than expected, risking delays in reducing vehicle emissions and slowing progress toward climate goals.
Related: Electric vehicle purchases show a political divide in the US
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Credit: (Joenomias) Menno de Jong/Pixabay
Trump and Vance make misleading claims about Harris's energy policies in swing states
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance are falsely accusing Kamala Harris of supporting extreme energy policies during their campaign stops in key swing states.
In short:
- Trump and Vance claim Harris will mandate electric vehicle (EV) purchases, but no such mandate exists.
- They allege Harris is outsourcing EV jobs to China, though U.S. tariffs and incentives are bolstering domestic production.
- Trump warns of electricity shortages, but experts say the U.S. grid can adapt to rising energy demand with the right investments.
Key quote:
“Vice President Harris does not support an electric vehicle mandate.”
— Ammar Moussa, Harris campaign spokesperson
Why this matters:
Misinformation about energy policies can influence voter opinions in critical swing states. Fact-checking these claims is essential for informed decision-making ahead of the election.
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Lawmakers push for stronger regulations on PFAS used in EV batteries
U.S. lawmakers are urging stricter regulations on PFAS, chemicals used in EV batteries, amid concerns over widespread contamination.
In short:
- Two U.S. lawmakers are advocating for tighter controls on PFAS, toxic chemicals found in various products, including EV batteries.
- A bill known as the PFAS Action Act seeks to enforce stricter regulations, but it has yet to pass in the Senate.
- Despite ongoing concerns, companies like Syensqo continue to expand production with government support, raising environmental and health risks.
Key quote:
"PFAS are found in everything from construction materials to cookware to basic household supplies – this isn’t an EV problem, it’s a PFAS problem.”
— Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Why this matters:
PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," pose severe health risks and are difficult to remove from the environment. As the EV industry grows, the unchecked use of these chemicals could lead to long-term public health issues.
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Canada imposes new tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles
Canada is enacting a 100% tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles, mirroring U.S. actions taken due to China's alleged market-distorting subsidies.
In short:
- Canada announced the tariffs after discussions with U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan.
- Canada will also impose tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum and may consider more tariffs on other goods.
- China condemned the tariffs as protectionist, warning of potential retaliatory actions.
Key quote:
“Actors like China have chosen to give themselves an unfair advantage in the global marketplace.”
— Justin Trudeau, Canadian Prime Minister
Why this matters:
These tariffs could escalate trade tensions between China, Canada and the U.S., impacting global markets and the electric vehicle industry. The dispute highlights ongoing concerns about China's influence on global trade.
Related:
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Ford shifts to smaller EVs, but will Americans follow?
Ford's new strategy of focusing on smaller electric vehicles challenges America's long-standing preference for larger cars, raising questions about consumer acceptance and the company's future profitability.
In short:
- Ford's pivot to smaller EVs is driven by the high cost of large electric vehicles, which require expensive batteries.
- American car buyers have traditionally favored bigger vehicles, complicating the shift toward compact EVs.
- Competition from smaller, affordable Chinese EVs could force U.S. automakers to adapt quickly.
Key quote:
“If we cannot make money on EVs, we have competitors who have the largest market in the world, who already dominate globally, already setting up their supply chain around the world. If we don’t make profitable EVs in the next five years, what is the future?”
— Jim Farley, CEO of Ford
Why this matters:
The success of Ford’s strategy could reshape the U.S. auto industry, influencing job markets, environmental outcomes and America's position in the global EV race.
Related:
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States adopt mixed strategies to balance EV incentives and road funding
As electric vehicles reduce gas tax revenues, many states are charging EV owners additional fees to help fund road maintenance.
In short:
- Pennsylvania will impose a $250 annual fee on electric vehicles, one of the highest in the U.S., as states seek to offset declining gas tax revenues.
- Thirty-nine states have implemented similar fees, with some also cutting other EV incentives, complicating the push toward cleaner transportation.
- Critics argue these fees could hinder EV adoption without significantly addressing transportation funding gaps.
Key quote:
"We’re not at a point where electric cars are in any way, shape or form quote-unquote ‘stealing’ from the gas tax."
— Frank Hornstein, Democratic chair of the Minnesota House Transportation Committee.
Why this matters:
States face a dilemma: they need new revenue sources as gas tax income drops, but increasing costs for EVs may slow their adoption, jeopardizing emissions reduction goals.
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