Rep. Debbie Dingell wants to make sure Michigan remains the “global center of the auto industry.”
Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) introduced legislation on Wednesday, Jan. 8 that would advance the development, production and distribution of electric vehicles and related infrastructure across the United States.
Dingell’s congressional district includes the world headquarters of America’s “Big 3” automakers (Ford, General Motors, and Fiat Chrysler) who are aggressively retooling their business models toward electrically powered automobiles.
Dingell’s legislation, known as the USA Electrify Forward Act, directs U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao to “accelerate domestic manufacturing efforts directed toward the improvement of batteries, power electronics and other technologies for use in plug-in electric vehicles.”
Dingell wants to make buying and driving an electric vehicle much easier than it can be today. The bill calls for investments in areas that are projected to boost consumer confidence, make charging stations more accessible and lower costs for manufacturers and consumers.
“As the effects of climate change intensify and other nations invest heavily in electric vehicle production and adoption, it’s critical the United States accelerate the deployment of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure to remain on the forefront of innovation and global competitiveness,” Dingell said. “Investing in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure is also pivotal to the United States rapidly transitioning to a clean, net zero emissions economy.”
Dingell acknowledges that electric vehicles are the wave of the not-too-distant future, but says she understands the fears of consumers about affordability, range of driving distance and a shortage of charging stations. Results of a May 2019 AAA survey reveal that only 16 percent of Americans would consider an electric vehicle for their next car purchase because of purchase price and an inadequate number of charging stations.
The USA Electrify Forward Act seeks to accelerate domestic manufacturing of efficient electric cars. It also updates residential and commercial building codes to encourage the instillation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure so consumers can charge their vehicles at home and work.
The bill also modifies and reauthorizes the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program, grant and loan program at the Department of Energy, beginning in fiscal year 2021 through 2030.
“The USA Electrify Forward Act makes critical investments in manufacturing and infrastructure to lower costs for consumers and producers,” Dingell said. “Americans have a growing interest in electric vehicles, but we must take steps now to inspire great consumer confidence and ensure American made electric vehicles are the greatest in the world.
“We also want to ensure that Michigan remains the global center of the auto industry.”