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Trump Signals Preference for Gas-Powered Cars Over EVs Ahead of 2024 Election
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Published in Automotive and Transportation on Friday, December 5th 2025 at 2:57 GMT by moneycontrol.com- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Why Donald Trump Seemingly Prefers Gas‑Powered Cars Over Electric Vehicles
The United States’ political landscape is increasingly being shaped by the clash between the “clean‑energy” narrative that has dominated the Biden administration and the “jobs‑first” narrative that has been a cornerstone of Donald Trump’s political brand. A recent MoneyControl article, “Why Trump seems to favour gas‑powered cars over EVs,” examines how Trump’s public statements and policy proposals point to a preference for internal‑combustion engine (ICE) vehicles—an approach that is poised to influence the 2024 election and the future of the American auto industry.
Trump’s Statements on Electric Vehicles
Trump has repeatedly characterized electric vehicles (EVs) as “too expensive” and “not ready for mass adoption.” In a speech to an automotive‑industry trade group, he said, “The electric car is not the answer to our transportation woes. It’s a new technology that is still far from mainstream.” In another address, he warned that the current EV infrastructure is “inadequate” and that “our nation would suffer a backlash of jobs if we abandon the tried‑and‑true gasoline engine.”
These remarks appear on Trump’s campaign website (link provided in the MoneyControl article) where he outlines a 2024 platform that includes a pledge to “support the domestic auto‑manufacturing sector” and “preserve the jobs created by gasoline‑powered vehicle production.” The emphasis is clear: the president-elect is positioning himself as a champion of the traditional automotive workforce, which has been hit hard by the industry’s pivot to electrification.
Proposed Policies That Favor ICE Vehicles
1. Reversal of EV Tax Credits
Trump has hinted at scrapping the federal tax credit for electric‑vehicle purchases that was expanded under the Inflation Reduction Act. The credit, which can be worth up to $7,500 for some models, has been a major driver of EV adoption. By removing or limiting it, the administration could make gasoline vehicles relatively more affordable.
2. Reduced Subsidies for EV Manufacturing
In a policy brief circulated by the White House, Trump proposes cutting subsidies for battery production facilities. The brief notes that “investment in domestic battery manufacturing has been misdirected” and that the U.S. is “unable to compete with foreign producers if we keep pouring dollars into subsidies.” While ostensibly aimed at preserving jobs, critics argue that the move would stifle the supply chain required for EVs to remain competitive.
3. Focus on Infrastructure for ICE Vehicles
Trump’s proposal includes an increase in fuel‑tax revenue that would be earmarked for expanding highway and bridge maintenance—directly benefiting gasoline‑powered vehicles. This stands in stark contrast to Biden’s plan to allocate a larger portion of the 2022 infrastructure bill to charging stations, where the MoneyControl article links to a detailed breakdown of the bill’s EV provisions.
The Industry Context
The global EV market is growing at a compound annual growth rate of 30‑40% and is expected to capture 22‑25% of new car sales by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency. In the United States, EV sales reached 4.1% of total passenger‑vehicle sales in 2023, up from 2.3% in 2022. While this may still be a modest share, the trend is unmistakable: the auto‑manufacturing sector is rapidly pivoting toward electrification to meet both domestic and international emissions targets.
Trump’s statements, therefore, come at a time when the industry is in a transition phase. His proposed policies could slow that transition, at least for a few election cycles. The MoneyControl article includes a link to a Bloomberg analysis that argues that a “policy shift” away from EV incentives could create a “policy‑induced shock” to the sector, potentially driving investment out of the U.S. to countries with more favorable regulatory environments.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Automakers: Major US auto‑manufacturers such as Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis have all publicly declared that they will continue investing in electric models. They argue that the future of mobility lies in zero‑emission technology. In a statement cited by MoneyControl, Ford’s CEO reiterated that the company will “deliver 13 EV models by 2025.”
Labor Unions: The United Auto Workers (UAW) expressed concern that a roll‑back of EV subsidies could lead to “job losses in battery production” and “long‑term skill mismatches.” The union has called for a “balanced approach” that ensures the transition does not undermine current employment.
Environmental Groups: Greenpeace and the Sierra Club have criticized Trump’s stance as “regressive” and warned that it could delay the United States’ path to net‑zero emissions. A link to a Greenpeace briefing is provided in the article, where the group argues that “the true cost of EVs—including mining, battery production, and electricity sourcing—has been understated.”
Policy Analysts: The article quotes a senior analyst from the Center for Automotive Research who contends that “policy decisions now will shape the automotive supply chain for the next decade.” He notes that a heavy focus on ICE vehicles could “inhibit domestic innovation in battery technology.”
Political Implications for 2024
Trump’s approach to the EV debate is likely to resonate with voters who feel that the transition to electric vehicles has led to job losses in manufacturing hubs across the Midwest and the Rust Belt. The MoneyControl piece notes that in states such as Ohio, Michigan, and Kentucky, EV adoption has been sluggish partly because of a lack of local manufacturing capacity and infrastructure. By positioning himself as a defender of these “traditional” auto jobs, Trump is tapping into a significant portion of the electorate that feels left behind by the clean‑energy narrative.
Conversely, the Biden administration’s EV push—highlighted in the MoneyControl article with a link to the Biden White House’s EV strategy page—has generated a strong base of environmentally conscious voters, particularly in urban areas. The resulting polarization could make the 2024 election a battleground not only on policy but on how the United States chooses to drive into the future.
Looking Ahead
The MoneyControl article closes by pointing out that the transition to electric vehicles is not a simple “switch” but a complex, multi‑layered shift that involves battery supply chains, power‑grid capacity, and consumer acceptance. While Trump’s policy proposals emphasize short‑term job preservation and a conservative fiscal approach, they also risk stalling progress toward a greener, more sustainable transportation system. The article urges readers to keep an eye on upcoming legislative proposals and how they may either align with or contradict the Trump administration’s stated priorities.
In sum, the MoneyControl analysis paints a clear picture: Donald Trump’s political narrative and proposed policies appear to favor gas‑powered cars over EVs, a stance that may shape not just the 2024 election but the direction of the U.S. auto industry for years to come. Whether this preference will help or hinder the nation’s broader climate and economic goals remains a question that policymakers, industry leaders, and voters will need to confront in the coming months.
Read the Full moneycontrol.com Article at:
[ https://www.moneycontrol.com/world/why-trump-seems-to-favour-gas-powered-cars-over-evs-article-13712270.html ]
