New Jersey’s Proposed Electric Vehicle Mandate: Is It Rational?

The governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy, has recently proposed an energy plan that mandates all new cars sold in 2035 and beyond to be electric vehicles (EVs). While the goal of reducing carbon emissions is commendable, many citizens are concerned about the feasibility and fairness of this mandate.

One of the main criticisms of the proposal is its economic impact. The average cost of an EV is over $60,000, making it an option primarily for the wealthy. Additionally, EV buyers are eligible for federal and state cash rebates of over $10,000, along with savings from sales tax exemptions and no gas taxes. This means that the incentives intended to drive EV adoption are benefiting the wealthy while burdening the lower- and middle-class residents who are indirectly subsidizing these incentives.

There are also practical concerns regarding the infrastructure needed to support a widespread transition to EVs. Building the necessary mineral mines to meet the demand for EV batteries is not feasible and harmful to the environment. Furthermore, China currently dominates the EV supply chain, highlighting the dangers of over-reliance on any foreign nation. The charging infrastructure is also not capable of handling the increased load that would come with mass EV adoption by 2035.

A more rational approach would be to consider other electrified car options, such as hybrids and plug-in hybrids, which run on both gasoline and electric batteries. From a manufacturing standpoint, these vehicles are more environmentally friendly, as 90 hybrids can be made from the same materials it takes to build one EV. They also offer a more affordable price point and should be eligible for incentives to make them accessible to the average consumer.

In conclusion, while the goal of reducing carbon emissions is important, New Jersey’s proposed EV mandate is seen as extreme and unrealistic by many. A more rational approach would take into account other electrified car options, acknowledge the limitations of current infrastructure, and consider emerging climate solutions. It is crucial to have a coherent national energy policy that also involves international cooperation to effectively address the issue of carbon emissions.

Source: Article by Jack Ciattarelli on NorthJersey.com