The automotive world finds itself at another crossroads as President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration signals a return to less stringent fuel-efficiency and emissions standards. Echoing efforts from Trump’s first term, this move aims to unravel regulations championed by President Joe Biden, which sought to push automakers toward a greener, electric-powered future. For car enthusiasts, especially those with a soft spot for growling V8s and silky V12s, this raises a burning question: will this policy shift allow us to hold onto some of our beloved internal combustion engines (ICEs) a little longer?
Trump’s transition team has indicated plans to reverse fuel-efficiency standards and emissions regulations finalized under the Biden administration. These rules, which many automakers found overly strict, aimed to ensure that 35% of new vehicle production would be electric by 2032.
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By targeting these policies, Trump hopes to appeal to automakers who claim the standards are too onerous and to fulfill his campaign promise to “end the EV mandate”—a misnomer, as no direct mandate exists. Instead, Biden’s policies encouraged a shift away from fossil fuels through incremental but impactful requirements.
This rollback could also affect the $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicle (EV) purchases, potentially slowing EV adoption in the U.S., a market already lagging behind Europe and China in the transition.
The rollback could buy automakers more time to produce ICE vehicles while adjusting their long-term EV strategies. For enthusiasts, this may seem like a glimmer of hope. Engines like the iconic V8 and V12—already an endangered species due to tightening emissions standards—might stick around a bit longer.
Consider brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini, whose V12 engines are as much a part of their DNA as their prancing horse and raging bull logos. Or American staples like the roaring V8s in Dodge Hellcats and Ford Mustangs. These engines represent more than just power; they symbolize an era of visceral, emotive driving that many fear EVs cannot replicate.
While manufacturers are heavily investing in EVs, the costs of developing and selling them remain a concern. Maintaining production of ICE models that meet looser standards could allow automakers to balance profits during the transition period.
Tesla, ironically, may be among the losers in this scenario. The EV giant has historically profited from selling emissions credits to legacy automakers. A rollback in standards could diminish the demand for these credits, hitting Tesla’s bottom line. However, with a mature product line and significant brand loyalty, Tesla’s reliance on these credits is far less than in its earlier years.
Automakers such as GM, Ford, and Stellantis—who lobbied for less stringent standards—may find breathing room to continue developing ICE-powered trucks, SUVs, and performance vehicles while still advancing their EV agendas.
Yet, loosening standards could have broader repercussions. Environmental advocates warn this could slow the fight against climate change, while automakers risk falling behind global competitors in markets where stricter regulations remain.
For enthusiasts, this policy reversal sparks a deeper conversation: is there still room in the automotive future for both EVs and ICEs? The answer depends on several factors, including technological advancements in hybridization, alternative fuels like hydrogen, and how quickly battery costs decrease.
While V8s and V12s are unlikely to return to mainstream vehicles, we may still see them in niche, high-performance applications—if regulations permit. Even then, they’ll likely come with hefty price tags and limited production runs, making them toys for the affluent rather than staples of the average car enthusiast’s garage.
The Trump administration’s plans to roll back Biden’s fuel-efficiency standards might extend the lifespan of ICE vehicles, but it won’t change the inevitable trajectory of the industry. Automakers are already committed to electrification, driven by global markets, long-term cost considerations, and evolving consumer demand.
However, the love affair with ICE engines—especially the soulful rumble of a V8 or the operatic crescendo of a V12—might persist, not as the industry standard, but as a cherished relic of automotive history.
The question remains: in a world marching toward electrification, can enthusiasts carve out a space to keep these mechanical masterpieces alive, or are we merely delaying their farewell? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
