President Joe Biden's approach to the electric vehicle market might be too fast for many car dealers in the US, a recent Automotive News survey shows.
At least 83% of the 208 dealers surveyed agree that the US government is pushing the auto industry too aggressively to shift towards EVs.
Primary concern for dealers was the government's proposal to the Environmental Protection Agency to turn two-thirds of automobiles sold into EVs by 2032, the strictest regulation on the "environmentally-friendly" vehicles yet.
Car Dealers Raise Concerns Over Improbable EV Deadline
The dealers pointed out that roads and electric grids are not yet ready for the government's plan, arguing that the transition should "be driven by consumer demand."
Only 4% of Americans currently own an electric car with an overwhelming 41% opposed to buying it, according to consulting firm Gallup.
The Biden administration has been pouring billions of dollars towards the EV industry in the past years despite slow progress in facilities needed for EV-centric highways, including the factories needed for the EVs and their rechargeable batteries.
Biden's proposal to the EPA is expected to be finalized by March.
A group of 4,700 auto dealers has earlier submitted a petition letter to the administration, requesting the president to temporarily halt the EPA's vehicle pollution standards.
Regulators Oppose Biden Admin Fast Tracking EVs in the US
Car dealers were not the only ones the Biden administration has faced setbacks in its ambitious EV utopia.
House representatives have been pushing back the administration's regulation proposal, going so far as to file a law to block EV charging stations built across the US.
The administration shortly vetoed the bill as it could "harm my Administration's efforts to encourage investment in critical industries and bring high-quality jobs back."
Biden dismissed the concerns proposed by the opposition, mainly Republicans, saying that short-term waivers would allow construction of EV charging ports to proceed quickly.
The EV industry has been one of the main highlights of the Biden administration's efforts to revitalize tech manufacturing in the US, a record the president is touting ahead of his candidacy for the 2024 Elections.
The president's decision is currently scheduled for a Senate hearing where it is expected to overrule the veto.
The US currently has more than 160,000 EV charges, although most were distributed in metropolitan cities near tech industries.
