Tesla Pushes for Bold Change: Tesla, an innovative electric car company, made a solid case for the Biden administration on Tuesday, asking them to set stricter fuel economy standards than the ones that American officials have only hinted at so far, which would last until 2032.
As of July, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wanted to raise Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) rules for cars by 2% each year and for trucks and SUVs by 4% each year from 2027 to 2032. This was a slightly more ambitious plan. Not pleased, Tesla pushes for stricter rules, suggesting a big 6% annual increase for cars and an even stricter 8% increase for bigger cars.
What is the reason for taking such a strong stance? Tesla believed these strict rules were the only way to save energy and fight the immediate danger of climate change. On the other hand, the NHTSA thought that by the end of 2032, the fleet would get 58 miles (93 km) per gallon for fuel economy.
In terms of its position, Tesla doesn’t agree with most big automakers. Some of the biggest names in the auto industry, like General Motors (GM.N), Toyota Motor (7203.T), Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE), and others, strongly opposed the NHTSA’s draft plan the day before, saying it was not only unreasonable but also needed major changes.
The American Automotive Policy Council, which has always backed the Detroit Three automakers, asked NHTSA to cut in half the fuel economy boost it suggested and settle for a more moderate 2% annual rise for trucks instead. Their biggest disagreement is about the different effects on the popular truck fleet, which makes up 83% of the vehicles made by Ford (F.N.), G.M., and Stellantis (the company that owns Chrysler).
Also Read: Tesla China EV Sales Hit a Roadblock: 10.9% Drop in September
NHTSA, on the other hand, is adamant that its regulatory plan is meant to lower gas prices for Americans by a large amount, promote economic freedom, and improve energy security in the United States. According to their highly optimistic estimate, the benefits of this crazy idea would far outweigh the costs by an amazing $18 billion. But this month, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation spoke out, saying automakers would have to pay $14 billion in fines for not following the rules from 2027 to 2032.
On Tuesday, Toyota, always the rebel, said that these impending fines show that the planned standards can’t be met technologically and are, therefore, useless. While they were each thinking about the financial effects, American automakers raised the alarm about possible fines:
- G.M. was expecting a $6.5 billion hit to their finances.
- Stellantis was thinking about a $3.1 billion hit.
- Ford was thinking about a possible $1 billion dent.
These numbers were similar to what NHTSA had predicted.
Automakers are worried that the Energy Department will drastically alter how it figures out the gasoline-equivalent fuel economy grade for Electric Vehicles (EVs) under NHTSA’s CAFE program. This has made things even more complicated. Their sighing at the same time? This claim says that the fuel economy of electric cars has dropped by an amazing 72%. This makes the already rough seas of automotive innovation and regulation even rougher.
Our Reader’s Queries
Is Tesla going to change body style?
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 has received a much-needed refresh. Dubbed the Model 3 “Highland,” this popular EV sedan now boasts a revamped front end that bears a striking resemblance to the new Tesla Roadster. The car’s headlights and taillights have also been given a sleeker, more modern look. These updates are sure to please Tesla fans who have been eagerly awaiting the next iteration of this beloved vehicle.
Does Tesla use a push or pull strategy?
Tesla employs a push strategy to market their products and services. They rely on retail companies, television, and radio ads to promote their offerings. This approach allows them to reach a wider audience and create brand awareness. By utilizing various channels, Tesla ensures that their message is heard loud and clear.
How has Tesla pushed the car industry forward?
Tesla is a pioneer in the world of electric cars, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to craft luxurious, energy-efficient, and high-tech vehicles. Their electric motors and batteries are at the forefront of the auto industry, delivering an unparalleled driving experience. With a commitment to innovation, Tesla continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of sustainable transportation.
Why are Tesla’s getting recalled?
Tesla has recently released an over-the-air software update for its Autopilot active driving assistance (ADA) system. This update has been rolled out to over two million affected vehicles. The move comes after a federal safety investigation found that the feature was being misused by drivers too easily. The update aims to address this issue and improve the safety of the system. With this update, Tesla hopes to ensure that the Autopilot system is used correctly and responsibly by all drivers.