EVs vs. Gas Guzzlers: EPA Report Exposes Stark Auto Industry Reality

The EPA's Automotive Trends Report paints a stark picture, contrasting the slow adoption of electric vehicles with the continuing dominance of gas-powered SUVs.

[{"selector":"#anim-d326415f-af31-463b-a511-4d4b1aa3534d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.21337879225351%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Photo Source- Google

Despite industry promises, the transition to cleaner technologies is lagging, with only a 2.2% reduction in carbon emissions per mile from new vehicles.

[{"selector":"#anim-c5c935c2-63b5-45b8-8e3d-7e53a4e1ea62 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Photo Source- Google

"Larger, less efficient vehicles like SUVs and pickups comprised 63% of 2022's vehicle production, overshadowing electric and hybrid models.

[{"selector":"#anim-d95d6971-3ba0-46fa-8855-00be0a6ad340 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.240844612732676%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Photo Source- Google

The report shows electric and plug-in hybrids made up just 7% of new vehicles in 2022, far behind the projected growth.

[{"selector":"#anim-450ce2ac-40ea-4dcd-b9c7-15c6c38562c6 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.21337879225351%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Photo Source- Google

Over 90% of new vehicles still rely on traditional fuel sources, challenging the push towards fossil-fuel alternatives.

[{"selector":"#anim-f9742025-bc21-4647-92d3-42b53443d5d2 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.24062488616884%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Photo Source- Google

The report suggests a needed industry-wide transformation, emphasizing not just EV production but overall emission reduction and efficiency.

[{"selector":"#anim-dbd2fc5f-94b0-4381-a5ec-dcb21c12f065 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(33.209686184633085%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Photo Source- Google

Dan Becker, of the Center for Biological Diversity, criticizes the auto industry for missing targets and exploiting loopholes.

[{"selector":"#anim-22106b67-669a-4cd2-8869-edbe1bc4db63 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(36.132049483615866%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Photo Source- Google

Only six companies, including Tesla and Toyota, met the EPA's emissions and efficiency standards.

[{"selector":"#anim-97c4d1ae-bd21-4380-a764-ebb57b3345ce [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(33.19869985644142%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Photo Source- Google

The EPA's comprehensive '5-cycle' testing method offers a more accurate representation of real-world emissions and fuel economy.

[{"selector":"#anim-211548e6-3a8c-439b-bbc8-aec636e8b633 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(18.938102488173865%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Photo Source- Google