GM slow-rolls its all-EV aspirations - Politico

General Motors Abandons 2035 Zero Emissions Goal: A Symptom of Waning Support

The automotive industry is facing significant challenges in its quest to transition to zero-emission vehicles. General Motors (GM) has recently announced that it will no longer pursue its ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035. This decision, while disappointing for environmentalists and sustainability advocates, should be viewed as a symptom of broader concerns rather than an isolated failure.

A Shift in Industry Paradigm

The automotive industry has been under intense pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, particularly with the growing threat of climate change. In response, many companies have set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from their operations and products. GM's original goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035 was seen as a benchmark for the industry.

However, over time, several factors have contributed to a decline in support for the 2035 goal among various stakeholders. These include:

• Charging Infrastructure Shortfalls: The rapid expansion of electric vehicles (EVs) has highlighted the need for more extensive and reliable charging infrastructure. Many governments and companies have expressed concerns about meeting this demand, which is hindering the widespread adoption of EVs.
• High Upfront Costs: Electric vehicles are still more expensive than their gasoline-powered counterparts, making them less accessible to price-sensitive consumers. This has led to a decrease in demand for EVs, which in turn has reduced pressure on companies like GM to meet the 2035 goal.
• Supply Chain Challenges: The automotive industry faces significant supply chain challenges, including the availability of critical components such as batteries and semiconductors. These shortages have contributed to delays and increased costs, making it more difficult for companies to achieve their emissions reduction targets.
• Evolving Consumer Preferences: Consumer preferences are shifting towards sustainability and environmental responsibility. However, this shift is not uniform across all demographics. Some consumers prioritize affordability over environmental concerns, which has reduced demand for EVs and contributed to a decline in support for the 2035 goal.

Government Support Declines

Governments have been instrumental in driving the adoption of electric vehicles through incentives and regulatory policies. However, some governments have begun to question the effectiveness of these measures. The lack of significant progress towards meeting the 2035 goal has led to concerns about the feasibility of government-backed targets.

For instance:

• US Federal Government: In the United States, federal policymakers have expressed doubts about the feasibility of meeting a nationwide target for EV adoption by 2030.
• European Union: The European Union's (EU) climate strategy relies heavily on the adoption of electric vehicles. However, the EU has faced criticism from environmental groups and some member states regarding the pace of progress towards its goals.

Industry Collaboration Evolves

The automotive industry is increasingly recognizing the need for collaboration and coordination to achieve its sustainability targets. Companies are working together to share knowledge, best practices, and resources.

• Industry Associations: Industry associations such as the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) have played a crucial role in promoting the adoption of electric vehicles.
• Partnerships and Collaborations: GM has partnered with other companies, including startups and established players, to accelerate the development of new technologies and reduce costs.

A New Framework for Sustainability

In light of declining support for the 2035 goal, GM's decision should be seen as an opportunity to reassess and redefine its sustainability targets. A more nuanced approach might involve:

• Incremental Progress: Rather than setting ambitious, all-or-nothing goals, companies could focus on incremental progress towards their sustainability objectives.
• Industry-Wide Targets: Industry-wide targets could provide a more realistic and achievable framework for reducing emissions.

The automotive industry is at a crossroads. As companies like GM reassess their sustainability targets, the importance of collaboration, innovation, and incremental progress will only continue to grow.

Conclusion

General Motors' decision to abandon its 2035 zero-emissions goal should be viewed as a symptom of waning support among various stakeholders. The automotive industry is facing significant challenges in achieving its sustainability objectives, but this situation also presents opportunities for growth, collaboration, and innovation.