Trump says he ended Biden electric vehicle rule, updated fuel economy standards

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on The Hill or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: President Donald Trump announced new fuel-economy standards that roll back Biden-era vehicle requirements that encouraged automakers to add EVs and other low-carbon models
• The administration describes the change as ending an “EV mandate”
• Technically, the Biden rules were emissions and fuel-economy standards rather than a direct requirement that consumers buy EVs

🔭 The context: Trump said the new standards will reduce manufacturing costs and vehicle prices
• Environmental groups argue that weaker efficiency requirements could increase fuel consumption and pollution, while the administration frames the change around consumer choice and affordability
• The policy follows the administration’s February 2026 repeal of federal vehicle greenhouse-gas standards, while CAFE fuel-economy rules remain under NHTSA authority

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Less stringent fuel-economy requirements can reduce incentives for automakers to improve vehicle efficiency and accelerate electrification, potentially increasing gasoline use and transport emissions
• The environmental impact will also depend on how quickly EVs and other low-carbon vehicles are adopted independently of federal standards

⏭️ What’s next: The new CAFE standards will shape automakers’ vehicle strategies and the U.S. light-duty vehicle market
• Legal and regulatory challenges are also possible as federal and state vehicle-emissions policies continue to diverge

💬 One quote: “That means LOWER PRICES, saving families thousands on a new, beautiful, and safe car.” — Donald Trump

📈 One stat: 2024 — the year the Biden administration introduced the vehicle standards targeted by the rollback

Subscribe to our free newsletter to never miss a beat in sustainability.

The world needs sustainability knowledge. At illuminem, no interest group or shareholder can influence our work. Thank you for supporting our mission to make high-quality and independent sustainability information free for all. Every contribution helps. free newsletter