Encouraging Innovation

Encouraging Innovation in Cutting-Edge Technologies That Are Paving the Way for Safer, Greener, and More Advanced Vehicles
The U.S. auto industry is at the forefront of innovation, vehicle safety and the transition to electrification and is currently undergoing its most dramatic shift since the introduction of the Model-T. Congress has an incredible opportunity to solidify the United States’ position as the industry’s global leader and allow the U.S. to leapfrog our global competitors, particularly China. Securing critical supply chains and maintaining key provisions of the IRA will help grow our economy and maintain the United States’ global competitiveness. Autos Drive America urges Congress to:

Bolster U.S. and allied critical mineral and battery supply chains:

– Autos Drive America supports policies to expand the United States’ access to regions with significant critical mineral resources but nascent infrastructure to ensure these regions receive proper economic benefits from their mineral wealth, and that their workers have the appropriate protections and compensation.

Maintain 45X advanced production credits to allow continued upgrades to domestic industry and compete against China:

– The U.S. is quickly becoming a leader in EV and battery production, with 11 new factories adding 160 GWh of battery production capacity in the U.S. coming online by 2025.

– International automakers continue to invest in EV and battery manufacturing in the U.S., providing careers in this developing, innovative industry, with current or future green vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities in 10 states (Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana).

Maintain 30D, 45W, 25E clean vehicle credits to help offset costs for consumers and establish a market that competes with China:

– EV tax credits help reach into the underdeveloped EV markets in the U.S., allow for groundbreaking technology to come into play, and lower costs of these vehicles for future users. Green vehicles production by international automakers in the U.S. has increased 58% since 2018. In 2023, international automakers produced 30 green vehicle models in the U.S., including 21 hybrid vehicles, 4 battery electric vehicles (BEV), and 5 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models.

Support permitting reform to:

– Encourage U.S. critical mineral mining

– Fast-track mineral refining capacity

– Increase transmission line capacity

– U.S. energy generation capacity

Support policies that keep American energy reliable and affordable so that the automotive industry can continue its success and growth.