The White House said Thursday it is aiming for zero-emission electric vehicles (EV) to account for half of new vehicles sold in the United States by 2030. It also called for more stringent fuel economy standards.

electric vehicles

“Zero-emission” includes battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and fuel cell EVs, the White House said.

President Biden was set to sign an executive order (EO) setting the ambitious target. EVs have accounted for about 2% of new U.S. vehicle sales in each of the last three years, according to the Pew Research Center.

The EO “also kicks off development of long-term fuel efficiency and emissions standards to save consumers money, cut pollution, boost public health, advance environmental justice, and tackle the climate crisis,” the White House said.

The...