Former US President Donald Trump has announced his intention to eliminate all subsidies for electric vehicles if he is re-elected in 2024. This position contrasts with Joe Biden's current policies and raises questions about the future of the American auto industry.
A resounding statement against electric vehicles
At the Republican convention in Milwaukee, Donald Trump made a resounding statement: โI will end the electric vehicle mandate on day one.โ He added that this measure would โsave the American auto industry from total destruction and save consumers thousands of dollars per car.โ
The rhetoric is in keeping with the former president's usual pro-fossil fuel rhetoric and critical of the Biden administration's environmental policies.
A challenge to current subsidies
Trump has been a vocal critic of electric vehicle subsidies, calling them โunbelievably wasteful.โ He has singled out Bidenโs Inflation Reduction Act, which provides up to $7,500 in tax credits for electric vehicle purchases.
Republicans argue that the aid indirectly benefits China, the world's largest producer of electric vehicle batteries. However, the current law imposes strict conditions to avoid favoring foreign powers like China.
A paradox: Elon Musk's support
Despite these statements, Donald Trump benefits from the financial support of Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, who has committed to contributing more than $45 million per month to his campaign. This alliance may seem paradoxical, since Tesla is one of the main beneficiaries of current subsidies for electric vehicles.
This situation is explained in particular by Elon Musk's ambitions in other areas, such as aerospace with SpaceX, and his personal preference for populist leaders.
Implications for the French automotive industry
If Donald Trump were to carry out his threats, it could have repercussions on the global auto industry, including in France. French manufacturers present on the American market, such as Renault through its alliance with Nissan, could see their electrification strategies called into question.
Additionally, a slowdown in the U.S. electric vehicle market could hamper the innovation and economies of scale that the entire industry currently enjoys.
In conclusion, Donald Trumpโs statements raise many questions about the future of electric mobility in the United States and around the world. If they come to fruition, they could mark a major shift in American environmental policy, with potentially significant consequences for the global auto industry.