Stricter Emiisions regulations
Some automakers have been caught cheating on emissions tests. For example, in 2015, Volkswagen admitted to installing software in millions of diesel-powered vehicles that could detect when the car was being tested for emissions and could adjust the engine's performance to pass the test. This scandal, known as "dieselgate" led to fines, legal action, and a loss of trust in the automotive industry. It also highlighted the need for stricter regulations and oversight to prevent such cheating in the future.
How Governments Around the World are Driving Change in the Automotive Industry
Driven in part by the policies and initiatives of governments around the world car industry is transforming . As concerns around climate change and air pollution grow, governments are taking action to encourage the adoption of cleaner and more sustainable forms of transportation. In this blog post, we will explore how governments are driving change in the automotive industry and what impact this is having on the sector.
Setting Targets for Emissions Reduction
Many governments around the world have set targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. For example, the European Union has set a target of reducing emissions from new cars by 37.5% by 2030 compared to 2021 levels. Similarly, the United States has set fuel efficiency standards for new cars and trucks, which require manufacturers to improve their average fuel economy over time.
Incentivizing Electric Vehicles
Governments are also incentivizing the adoption of electric vehicles through tax credits, rebates, and other financial incentives. For example, in the United States, there is a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 for the purchase of an electric vehicle. Many states and municipalities also offer additional incentives, such as rebates on the purchase of an EV or reduced registration fees.
Investing in Charging Infrastructure
One of the biggest barriers to the adoption of electric vehicles is the lack of charging infrastructure. To address this, governments around the world are investing in the development of charging networks. For example, the European Union has set a target of deploying at least one million public charging points by 2025. Similarly, the Chinese government has invested heavily in charging infrastructure, with the goal of having 4.8 million charging points by 2025.
Supporting Research and Development
Governments are also supporting research and development in the automotive industry, particularly in the area of electric vehicle technology. For example, the United States Department of Energy has invested over $2 billion in research and development for advanced vehicle technologies. Similarly, the European Union has set aside funding for research and development in electric vehicle batteries, with the goal of developing a world-class battery industry in Europe.
Finally, governments are regulating emissions from vehicles through a variety of measures. For example, the European Union has introduced stricter emissions standards for new cars and trucks, which require manufacturers to reduce emissions or face fines. Similarly, California has set its own emissions standards for vehicles, which are stricter than federal standards and have been adopted by other states as well.
Governments around the world are driving change in the automotive industry through a variety of policies and initiatives. By setting targets for emissions reduction, incentivizing the adoption of electric vehicles, investing in charging infrastructure, supporting research and development, and regulating emissions, governments are helping to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation system. The impact of these policies is already being felt in the automotive industry, with a growing number of electric vehicles on the road and increased investment in electric vehicle technology.