Automakers to join Biden in 40 percent electric vehicle pledge: report

Three major automakers will reportedly join President Biden in a promise to make 40 percent of car sales electric by 2030. 

The Washington Post reported on Thursday that Ford, General Motors and Stellantis, which was previously known as Fiat Chrysler, will offer support for a shift to electric vehicles making up 40 to 50 percent of their new car sales. 

Ford spokesperson Melissa Miller in an email highlighted the company’s prior announcement that it expects 40 percent of its worldwide vehicle volume to be electric by 2030, but didn’t say whether the company would be part of a White House push.

Spokespeople for the White House and Stellantis declined The Hill’s request for comment. GM didn’t immediately respond.

A spokesperson for the United Auto Workers, a major industry union, told The Hill via email that it too, was in discussions regarding the announcement.   

“The UAW is still in discussions and has not reached agreement at this point,” said spokesperson Brian Rothenberg in an email. 

The Post’s report does note that some of the details are still under negotiation. 

The revelation follows another report from The Associated Press this week that said the administration would soon put forth vehicle mileage standards that aim to push 40 percent of drivers into electric cars by the end of the decade.

The Environmental Protection Agency and Transportation Department, meanwhile, are expected to soon announce new vehicle mileage standards. 

These standards — which are expected to increase electric vehicle sales — would come after the Trump administration weakened Obama-era standards.

The Trump move was considered a major climate rollback, as the transportation sector is the greatest contributor to U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

Updated at 4:35 p.m.