At the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, car enthusiasts are buzzing. This year, both tracks are open to hybrids and gas-powered vehicles, moving away from the exclusive focus on electric cars (EVs) that was once the norm.
Todd Szott, the chairman of the event, remarked, “The show reflects the industry’s pulse at the consumer level.” Indeed, the electric vehicle scene is shifting. The return of a pro-fossil fuel agenda has influenced this change, especially since President Trump reassumed office.
While automakers claim they want to present “consumer choice,” many experts worry about the long-term impact of this EV retreat. Michael Robinet from S&P Global Mobility raised a critical question: “How competitive will we be globally as the market progresses without us?”
### The Current State of EV Sales
Electric vehicle sales in the U.S. grew by only 1% last year, per recent data from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. In contrast, China saw a 17% increase in sales of plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, and Europe grew by 33%. U.S. market share for pure EVs was just under 8% in 2025, with over 1.23 million sold—a slight decline from the previous year.
President Trump, while visiting the Ford River Rouge Complex, boasted about changes in EV policies that he believes have benefited U.S. automakers. He stated, “My first acts in office were about stopping the attack on oil and gas. We want options, not mandatory electric cars.”
However, such changes have had significant consequences. Trump’s administration rolled back fuel economy standards, eliminated penalties for automakers who don’t meet them, and reduced tax incentives for EV buyers.
### Industry Response to Policy Changes
Car manufacturers have braced for impact. Ford recently reported $19.5 billion in charges related to its electrification efforts and is halting production of its all-electric F-150 Lightning. Meanwhile, GM announced $6 billion in losses linked to EV-related projects. Even Tesla faced challenges last year.
Shawn Strain from Ford acknowledges the challenge but remains committed to electric vehicles. “It may not be as clear-cut as before, but we see EVs as the future,” he said.
### The Global Competition
Experts highlight that the automotive landscape is changing rapidly, driven in part by competition with Chinese manufacturers. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer insisted, “China aims to dominate auto manufacturing. They’re making strides everywhere except in the U.S. and Canada.”
The growing Chinese market, where companies like BYD and NIO are thriving, poses a significant threat to American automakers. Local sentiments echo this concern, with individual users expressing worry over the future competitiveness of U.S. EVs on social media platforms.
Will Roberts, a lead researcher at Benchmark Minerals, emphasized the importance of a robust EV strategy. “Current U.S. policy impacts competitiveness. It’s vital for automakers to continue developing attractive EV options,” he said.
Pete Buttigieg, former transportation secretary, also noted the inevitability of electric vehicles becoming the leading technology. As he pointed out, “Trump can’t stop the rise of electric vehicles, but he can hinder America from leading in this sector.”
In sum, while traditional vehicles are still in play at auto shows, the future of electric cars is on everyone’s minds. The challenge lies not just in sales but in crafting a sustainable path forward in a rapidly changing industry.
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