Thousands of car dealership owners across the United States signed an open letter to the Biden administration opposing the push for electric vehicles (EVs).
More than 3,800 auto dealers wrote, “We are deeply committed to the customers we serve and the communities where we operate, which is why we are asking you to slow down your proposed regulations mandating battery electric vehicle (BEV) production and distribution.”
“Your Administration has proposed regulations that would essentially mandate a dramatic shift to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), increasing year after year until 2032, when two out of every three vehicles sold in America would have to be battery electric.”
“Last year, there was a lot of hope and hype about EVs. Early adopters formed an initial line and were ready to buy these vehicles as soon as we had them to sell. But that enthusiasm has stalled,” the letter added. “Today, the supply of unsold BEVs is surging, as they are not selling nearly as fast as they are arriving at our dealerships — even with deep price cuts, manufacturer incentives, and generous government incentives.”
“With each passing day, it becomes more apparent that this attempted electric vehicle mandate is unrealistic based on current and forecasted customer demand. Already, electric vehicles are stacking up on our lots which is our best indicator of customer demand in the marketplace.”
“Mr. President, it is time to tap the brakes on the unrealistic government electric vehicle mandate. Allow time for the battery technology to advance. Allow time to make BEVs more affordable. Allow time to develop domestic sources for the minerals to make batteries. Allow time for the charging infrastructure to be built and prove reliable. And most of all, allow time for the American consumer to get comfortable with the technology and make the choice to buy an electric vehicle.”
One of the letter’s signatories told Fox News Digital, “With the mandates they are putting in place, they are forcing the consumer to buy something that they don’t want,” adding, “Consumers are not buying into the electric vehicle market right now because the infrastructure is not there, they’re concerned about the range and it’s 20 to 30% higher to buy the vehicle.”
“The president needs to back off on mandates and allow the river to take its course. EVs will survive, they’ll be a part of the marketplace. But they have to let the consumer decide which vehicle they want, how they’re going to get their families around, and where they’re going to spend their money,” Tom Maoli of New Jersey’s Celebrity Motor Cars said.
American Faith reported in September that EVs have been left sitting in dealership lots.
“We have turned away EV inventory,” said Scott Kunes, the chief operating officer of Kunes Auto and RV Group.
“We need to ensure that we have a good turn on it,” he said.
