"Biden Makes Electric Pitch At Ford Plant: 'There's No Turning Back'"

"DEARBORN — Visiting the Ford Motor Co. Rouge Electric Vehicle Center Tuesday, President Joe Biden presented an American auto industry at a crossroads, forced to choose between two options: Spend around $174 billion and speed ahead to dominate the burgeoning electric vehicle market, or cede the race to China.

He said his plan will spark more electric vehicle manufacturing in the United States, secure a domestic EV supply chain, ensure a nationwide network of charging stations, make EVs accessible to average consumers and do it with a unionized workforce.

"The future of the auto industry is electric. There's no turning back," Biden said. "The question is whether we will lead or we will fall behind in the race to the future."

The remarks came as the administration negotiates with Congress over what to include in a larger jobs and infrastructure plan, which clocks in at around $2 trillion and has Republicans concerned about spending, especially on non-traditional infrastructure like that surrounding electric vehicles. "

Riley Beggin and Jordyn Grzelewski report for the Detroit News May 18, 2021.

SEE ALSO:

"Biden Takes New Electric F-150 For A Test Drive: 'This Sucker's Quick'" (CNN)

"Electric Pickups Could Make or Break Biden’s Infrastructure Plans" (New York Times)

"Biden Proposing Point-of-Sale Incentives, Affordable EVs Made in America" (Green Car Reports)

"Biden Frames Electric Vehicle Goals As Competition With China In Michigan Visit" (The Hill)

Source: Detroit News, 05/19/2021