To meet the goals outlined in the 2015 Paris Agreement, 67% of new vehicles sold by 2030 are expected to be electric or plug-in hybrid. The proposed regulation by the EPA falls short of this goal. The EPA projects that carbon dioxide emissions from passenger vehicles will fall by 47% by 2055, when most gas-powered vehicles will be replaced.
Depending on the source of electricity, studies show that electric vehicles can lower greenhouse gas emissions by 30% to 50% compared to combustion vehicles. However, questions have been raised concerning the environmental impact of extracting metals for batteries. Despite these reservations, many people feel that as renewable energy sources expand, EVs will play an important role in lowering emissions.
Transportation is the most polluting industry in the United States, accounting for around 29% of greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the EPA plans to limit emissions from heavy trucks, power plants, and the oil and gas industries. However, critics contend that the EPA underestimates the expense and difficulty of manufacturing electric vehicle batteries, such as the scarcity of essential minerals utilized in the batteries. They also highlight charging infrastructure deficiencies for long-distance travel and apartment occupants.