In his recent interview with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, former President Donald Trump showed a more favorable stance toward electric vehicles, praising Musk’s products and acknowledging their reduced gasoline consumption. “Your cars don’t require too much gasoline,” Trump remarked. “You do make a great product … That doesn’t mean everybody should have an electric car, but these are minor details, but your product is incredible.”
Despite this seemingly supportive comment, former California regulators and automotive experts remain doubtful that Musk’s endorsement will shift Trump’s stance on California’s stringent EV regulations. Craig Segall, a former deputy executive officer at the California Air Resources Board, expressed skepticism about Trump’s change of heart, questioning whether Musk’s influence would lead to real support for EVs.
Donald Trump’s recent positive remarks about Tesla’s electric vehicles leave analysts questioning if it signals a shift in his policy stance
Trump’s campaign has not shown any inclination to alter its commitment to opposing state and federal emissions standards. In response to inquiries about whether Musk’s support might prompt Trump to reconsider his plans to revoke California’s clean car waiver, the campaign reiterated its opposition to EV mandates, with Republican National Committee spokesperson Anna Kelly criticizing such policies as harmful to the American auto industry.
Nevertheless, some believe that Musk’s vested interests in Tesla might encourage him to support California’s policies. Dan Sperling, former CARB board member, suggested that Musk’s business interests might align with maintaining the waiver that allows California to enforce its stricter air quality rules.
Tesla’s growth has been closely linked to California’s climate policies, from its early days benefiting from clean car incentives to its history of supporting the state’s regulations. However, Musk’s support for aggressive EV standards has sometimes been driven by self-interest, as seen in past disputes with regulators.
The shifting dynamics between Tesla and California’s regulatory environment, combined with Musk’s expanding business ventures and political disagreements, raise questions about the future of Tesla’s advocacy for state policies. Analysts remain uncertain whether Trump’s softened rhetoric on EVs will lead to important policy changes or if he will continue to challenge federal EV credits.
