WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Zero Emission Transportation Association’s Executive Director, Albert Gore, issued the following statement in response to the final passage of the budget reconciliation package:

"Batteries and electric vehicles are the future. Nearly every major automotive CEO agrees with this sentiment, and it has been publicly echoed by many of the elected officials who voted to pass the legislation that is now headed to the President’s desk. Global sales of passenger EVs have increased nearly 800% over the last seven years and now represent more than a quarter of global car sales. The global trend toward EVs is largely driven by economics. Batteries have gotten nearly 50% cheaper to make, and gasoline is 40% more expensive than electricity as a transportation fuel. For all these reasons, 92% of EV owners plan to buy another EV. They are great cars.

“These are staggering numbers to contend with as the United States grapples with how to build an automobile manufacturing sector that will be globally competitive for the next century. While this bill does significant harm to the speed at which the EV and battery sector can continue to scale up capacity in the United States, it will not stop the progress we have made in a very short timeframe. We are building factories, hiring workers, and investing billions into domestic supply chains. From Kansas to Georgia, Nevada to Tennessee, California to Florida, and everywhere in between, EV manufacturing and battery plants are coming online. These are not hypothetical projects for the future. They are real, job-creating commitments rooted in the belief that American workers can lead the world in next-generation transportation.

“Our future is not dictated by the latest political headwinds, but by the strength of our products, the confidence of our customers, and the importance of maintaining American auto dominance in an increasingly competitive global market. ZETA will continue to advocate for the growth of this industry and the benefits that come with a robust, domestic supply chain.

“Our industry is still standing, still building, and still betting on America.”