Debunking the "Biden Car Ban" Myth: The Truth About Electric Vehicle Policies

Voters in Midwestern states are being bombarded with ads warning about a supposed "Biden car ban," but the reality is far different. The Biden administration has not prohibited gas-powered vehicles, and the transition to electric vehicles is being driven by market forces and state-level policies, not a federal mandate. However, fossil fuel industry groups and former President Donald Trump are using this misinformation to sway swing state voters, raising concerns about the role of energy in the 2024 election.

Cutting Through the Noise: Separating Fact from Fiction

The Myth of the "Biden Car Ban"

The ads being aired by the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), a trade group with major fossil fuel members, claim that the Biden administration has banned gas-powered vehicles. This is simply not true. While the Biden EPA has adopted ambitious standards to decrease emissions from passenger vehicles, these rules do not prohibit the sale or ownership of gas cars. Instead, they require automakers to produce more electric vehicles (EVs) and fewer conventional vehicles by 2032.

The Reality of State-Level EV Mandates

The only state that has adopted a ban on the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles is California, which voted to phase out such sales by 2035. This restriction applies to new cars only, and people can still drive, buy, and sell used gas-powered vehicles. Twelve other states have opted to follow California's lead, but none of these are targeted by the AFPM's ad campaign.

The Gradual Transition to Electric Vehicles

Experts agree that the transition to EVs will be a gradual process, not an overnight shift. Stephanie Brinley, an associate director with S&P Global Mobility, notes that "Going to 100% electric vehicles in the next decade is extremely unlikely." In the swing states targeted by the AFPM ads, voters are unlikely to see significant changes in the availability of gas cars in the near future, as none of these states have adopted the more stringent California standards.

The Role of Energy in the 2024 Election

The AFPM's ad campaign, as well as similar efforts by groups like the American Petroleum Institute, highlight the importance of energy policy in the upcoming 2024 election. While the Biden administration's fuel economy rules do not amount to a "car ban," these ads are designed to mobilize voters who are already predisposed to oppose the Democratic Party's climate and energy initiatives.

The Need for Balanced and Informed Debate

As the 2024 election approaches, it is crucial that voters have access to accurate information about the policies and regulations surrounding electric vehicles and the transition to a cleaner transportation sector. The misleading claims made in these ads risk sowing confusion and anger, rather than fostering a constructive dialogue about the challenges and opportunities of the clean energy transition.