This is a major pivot from Ford’s initial plans and signals a cooling in the Biden-Harris administration’s push for an electric America. The decision to swap an all-electric SUV blueprint for hybrid models speaks volumes about the shifting gears in automotive strategy.

The giant is now placing its bets on hybrids, underscoring the real-world challenges of a total EV transition. It’s a telling move that has the industry watchers talking.

Adapting to market demands and ensuring profitability are clearly driving Ford’s strategic shifts.

This turn of events raises big questions about the future and effectiveness of federal electric vehicle initiatives.

The Republican congressional hopeful’s sharp critique reflects broader concerns about the impact of these policies on American industries and jobs.

Barrett said: “The mandates forced on Americans under Biden-Harris will dismantle what remains of Michigan’s industrial base, destroy American jobs, and make us more dependent on Communist China.”

Her dedication is a key component of the administration’s broader environmental agenda.

After championing outlawing gas-powered cars during her days in the Senate, Harris’ campaign response director, Ammar Moussa, wrote: “FACT: Vice President Harris does not support an electric vehicle mandate.”

In March, the Harris-Biden administration finalized a crackdown on gas cars. New EPA regulations will see that more than two-thirds of passenger cars and light trucks sold by 2032 to be electric or hybrid vehicles.

Earlier this year, she explained the program’s benefits: “Every school day, 25 million children ride our nation’s largest form of mass transit: the school bus,” highlighting the dual health and educational gains of cleaner rides.

Her engagement reflects a broader strategy to promote the government’s educational and environmental plans, showing a personal touch in her public appearances.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg shared on CBS’ “Face the Nation” the complexities involved, pointing out the logistical and infrastructural challenges in reaching the ambitious goal of 500,000 chargers by 2030.

To reduce carbon emissions, Biden and Harris announced a $5 billion plan in 2022 to create a nationwide EV charger network. Congress also approved $7.5 billion for charging infrastructure as part of a bipartisan infrastructure law.

The government recently announced an investment of $52 million in grants across 29 states to bolster the deployment of more than 9,200 EV charging ports.

The Transportation Secretary said: “The awards that we’re announcing will build on this important work and will help ensure that the cost savings, health and climate benefits, and jobs of the EV future are secured for Americans across the country.”

According to Reuters, the number of publicly available fast-charing ports has increased by 90%, as of August. FHWA said approximately 1,000 new public chargers are being added weekly.

Bob Lutz, a seasoned auto exec, told Fox Digital, “The problem with the whole EV movement is that there was a colossal amount of hype behind it.” He believes the EV push came too soon.

These figures paint a stark picture of the financial hurdles automakers face as they navigate the transition to new vehicle technologies.

In the first quarter of this year, losses soared to $1.3 billion. This amounts to a loss of £132,000 for each of the 10,000 vehicles it sold during this period.

In June, seven EV charging stations were installed under the 2021 U.S. program. These stations consisted of a few dozen charging ports, according to Shailen Bhatt, head of the Federal Highway Association.

Former President Trump has made clear his stance: “I will end the electric vehicle mandate on day one.” His bold declaration demonstrates the polarizing debate over the role of government in shaping the future of the auto industry.

Trump said he would direct the money for electric vehicles to projects like roads, bridges, and dams. He has not made clear how he would do this.

Former Republican strategist and CEO of the EV Politics Project, Mike Murphy, said: “Two-thirds of the Electoral College votes that will pick the president from five swing states are cast by big EV investment states. There are 30,000 new EV-manufacturing jobs in Michigan, 40,000 in Georgia, and they’re the best-kept secret in our economy now.”

The VP has been accused of flip-flopping on several issues since joining the race against Trump. Support for Medicare for All, banning fracking, and legalizing illegal immigration have all been topics of contention as Harris tries to expand her voter base.