60% Predict Steep Decline in EV Sales in US After Federal Tax Credit Expires: TechCrunch Mobility Poll Reveals
Transportation industry insiders anticipate a significant drop in electric vehicle (EV) sales across the U.S. following the expiration of federal tax credits, according to a recent poll conducted among TechCrunch Mobility email subscribers. The survey questioned participants about their predictions for EV sales over the next two quarters after the credit’s termination, with approximately 60% of respondents forecasting a sharp decline.
Although some automakers may attempt to offset the loss of the $7,500 federal tax credit by reducing prices, this approach is likely to be temporary for most manufacturers. Additionally, tariffs could further squeeze margins in the EV industry.
Another challenge facing the EV sector in the United States is the transition towards Tesla’s North American Charging Standard. General Motors (GM), for instance, has introduced an adapter that enables existing electric vehicles to utilize charging stations equipped with the North American Charging Standard plugs, such as those at Tesla Supercharger stalls. However, GM recently announced plans to produce additional adapters to accommodate various charging rates and standards, potentially complicating matters for some EV owners who may end up with multiple adapters in their vehicles.
In other news, Lucid Motors is searching for a new CEO following the departure of Peter Rawlinson from his roles as CEO, CTO, and board member six months ago. The company has been operating under an interim CEO, Marc Winterhoff, while it looks for a permanent replacement. There are rumors that Winterhoff may be interested in assuming the position on a permanent basis.
Tesla is reportedly still committed to investing $500 million in a supercomputer facility in Buffalo, New York, despite recently disbanding its AI research team based there. The company has already invested approximately $314 million towards this project, according to sources who spoke with the state’s economic development department.
This week saw some significant developments in the autonomous vehicle and mobility sectors. Blue Water Autonomy, a startup specializing in unmanned ships for the U.S. Navy, secured $50 million in Series A funding led by GV. Joby Aviation completed its acquisition of Blade, and Kodiak Robotics hired Surajit Datta as its new CFO.
In other transportation news, Waymo has expanded its commercial robotaxi fleet to over 2,000 vehicles, with more than 800 operating in the San Francisco Bay Area alone. The company recently shared footage of one of its autonomous vehicles navigating through a giant dust storm in Phoenix.
Finally, California lawmakers have reached an agreement with ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft that paves the way for drivers to unionize. This development could have significant implications for the gig economy and the transportation industry as a whole.
