(TestMiles) – Former President Donald Trump vows to end federal support for electric vehicles on his first day in office. What does that mean for the future of the auto industry and American consumers?

Former President Donald Trump vowed to break federal support for electric vehicles (EVs) if re-elected in a move as subtle as a bull in a china shop. Trump’s grand promise is to axe what he calls the “Electric Vehicle Mandate” on his first day in the Oval Office. But what does this mean for the auto industry and, more importantly, for your wallet?

Let’s start with the basics. The “Electric Vehicle Mandate” isn’t an actual mandate. It’s a term Trump uses to describe a suite of policies introduced by President Biden. These include the federal EV tax credit, which offers consumers up to $7,500 back on qualifying electric vehicles. It sounds like a sweet deal, but critics, especially those in the Republican camp, argue that these incentives are a costly burden on taxpayers and disproportionately benefit foreign companies.

Rep. Jason Smith recently spearheaded an effort to eliminate the federal EV tax credit, voicing concerns about U.S. dollars flowing to Chinese companies involved in battery production. According to Smith, the Biden administration is selling out economic independence to push Americans towards EVs, leaving taxpayers to pick up the tab for an “expensive and impractical mandate.”

And it’s not just about the money. Critics also target broader environmental policies, branding them part of a “green new scam.” They’re calling for dismantling recent EPA regulations that give automakers flexibility in meeting emissions benchmarks. Yet, contrary to popular belief, there’s no federal mandate requiring a certain percentage of new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030. Automakers, however, must adhere to Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, which compel them to align their fleet’s fuel consumption with government targets.

Trump’s skepticism about EVs is no secret. He’s often cited their high cost, hefty weight, and alleged poor sales performance. But despite his disdain, car companies are charging ahead (pun intended) with their investments in future technologies. Perhaps they know something Trump doesn’t?

Here’s where things get even more enjoyable. Elon Musk, the maverick CEO of Tesla, has unexpectedly pledged significant donations to support Trump’s political efforts. This unlikely alliance could add some serious horsepower to Trump’s anti-EV policies, potentially steering the direction of the U.S. auto industry for years to come.

Love or loathe him, Trump’s promise to end EV incentives is a bold move that has the auto industry and environmentalists on high alert. Some see it as a necessary correction to a runaway green agenda, while others view it as a colossal step backward. One thing is sure: the future of electric vehicles in America is at a crossroads, and the road ahead will impact us all. The 2024 election might be the ride of a lifetime.