US President Joe Biden has declared his interest in sustainable vehicle technology with the intention to replace his entire government fleet to electric vehicles.
It is estimated that the project will cost about $US20b, in a huge boost for the country’s struggling automotive industry – but with a fleet size of 645,000, and an intention that all vehicles will be produced locally, it’s going to take some time.
The US fleet currently includes some 245,000 civilian cars, 173,000 military, and 225,000 post office vehicles.
“The federal government owns an enormous fleet of vehicles, which we’re going to replace with clean electric vehicles made right here in America, by American workers,” President Biden said.
“We’re creating millions of jobs, a million autoworker jobs, clean energy, vehicles that are net-zero emissions – and together this will be the largest mobilization of public investment in procurement, infrastructure, and R&D since World War II.”
Pres. Biden: “The federal government also owns an enormous fleet of vehicles, which we’re going to replace with clean electric vehicles made right here in America, by American workers.”https://t.co/figJbDMrpt pic.twitter.com/racgwk9VGw
— ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) January 25, 2021
Biden’s push toward electric vehicles is in line with environmental goals and policies he campaigned on throughout the 2020 Election.
Biden notably rejoined the international Paris climate agreement – which Donald Trump took the country out of – on his first day in office.
Furthermore the move by the US government to move its fleet to electric vehicles may also provide a windfall for Australia drivers in the long term.
Perhaps the biggest problem for electric cars is the price, but large-scale production will help reduce the costs, making it easier for the average motorist to purchase one.
