Introduction

The mandate for all vehicles to be electric by 2035 has many potential ramifications, both positive and negative. While proponents tout the benefits of reducing carbon emissions and advancing renewable technology, critics argue that such a sudden transition could lead to economic devastation, job losses, and infrastructure challenges. This article explores both perspectives, highlighting the potential pitfalls and key areas where improvements are needed.

Current State of the Auto Industry

Currently, the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is in its early stages, and the legacy auto industry, including the 'Big 3' (Toyota, Ford, and General Motors), is facing significant challenges. These companies have already invested heavily in EV technology but are finding that the reality of production does not align with their initial projections. Ford, for instance, has admitted that it cannot make money building EVs, and the United Auto Workers (UAW) is providing crucial financial support.

Impact on Employment and Unionization

The transition to EVs has significant implications for employment and labor unions. According to reports, approximately 40 percent of factory automotive jobs could be lost as the industry shifts towards EV manufacturing. This has led to widespread protests and a reluctance among autoworkers to support pro-EV candidates. Workers are now pushing for higher wages and stricter union membership requirements across the automotive supply chain, including factories where the automakers do not have full ownership or control.

Industry Adaptation and Investment

Despite the challenges, the industry is not standing still. Major players are investing in RD to develop new forms of motors and batteries that do not rely on rare earth metals or costly materials. This shift is driven by the need to ensure that the transition to EVs is feasible and profitable for the manufacturers. Countries like Australia and the Americas are emerging as significant lithium producers, while research is underway on alternative methods of producing electric motors that could reduce reliance on these rare materials.

Government Policies and Infrastructure

While the government is setting aggressive targets for the transition to EVs, there is limited investment in the necessary infrastructure to support such a shift. Currently, there are only headline-grabbing grants and installations for charging stations, but the underlying supply chain and power infrastructure remain inadequate. Power companies, which are often controlled by the government, lack the freedom to invest in necessary upgrades, leading to a reliance on cost increases to fund these improvements.

The Environmental and Economic Impact

The shift to renewable energy sources for EVs is not without its own set of challenges. Many renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, produce significant amounts of waste. Additionally, the production of plastics and materials used in EVs requires substantial amounts of oil. These factors add to the overall cost and environmental impact of the transition.

Conclusion

The mandate for all vehicles to be electric by 2035 could have far-reaching consequences. While there are clear benefits to reducing carbon emissions and advancing renewable technology, the potential for economic devastation and infrastructure challenges cannot be ignored. A balanced approach that ensures industry adaptation, fair labor practices, and significant investment in infrastructure is necessary to make a smooth and successful transition to an electric vehicle future.