Biden administration delays transition to electric vehicles: report

The Biden administration is expected to relax rules on the nation's transition to electric vehicles (EVs). The New York Times first reported the story Saturday, citing three people familiar with the project.

The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed rule change would implement less stringent requirements for vehicle emissions in the short term — allowing carmakers to have a smaller percentage of their fleets be electric by 2030 than the Biden administration's initial proposal. The Times reported.

The rule change would be a win for auto manufacturers and labor unions, allowing the industry more time to ramp up its EV production and charging infrastructure before restrictions hit the gas-powered vehicle market.

The EV market has grown in recent years, but not as quickly as some had hoped. By 2023 more consumers are turning to hybrid cars instead of fully electric vehicles. EV sales made up just 7 percent of the market last year, according to the Associated Press.

That pales in comparison to the Biden administration's future projections, which expect EVs to account for up to two-thirds of sales by 2032. The Congressional Budget Office also last week increased its projected spending on inflation-reducing legislation. The number of Americans who claim EV tax credits is expected.

A rule change could also smooth the United Auto Workers' political concerns about President Biden's re-election campaign. The union finally endorsed Biden last month after months of politically challenging the president and warnings about moving too quickly to EVs.

EPA originally proposed Strict tailpipe standards Last year, it required manufacturers to sell zero-emission vehicles by 2030, effectively forcing them to do so. The House GOP passed an effort to repeal the rule in December, and car dealers also issued a mass protest last month.

The Times reports that the Biden administration is expected to announce the change this spring.

Updated at 8:05 p.m