Trump Announces Repeal of Obama EPA Finding, Saving $1.3 Trillion for Americans
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, "In the single largest deregulatory action in U.S. history, President Trump and I are now announcing the repeal of the 2009 Obama EPA Endangerment Finding, ALL vehicle greenhouse gas emission standards that followed, and ALL off-cycle credits that include the much-despised start-stop feature in vehicles. This action will save over $1.3 TRILLION in costs for Americans!" Publicly traded companies in the space include Ford (F), General Motors (GM), Honda (HMC), Lucid Group (LCID), Mercedes-Benz (MBGYY), Nissan (NSANY), Rivian (RIVN), Stellantis (STLA), Tesla (TSLA), Toyota (TM) and Volkswagen (VWAGY).
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Analyst Views on F
About F
About the author

- Electrification Challenges: Ford faced $19.5 billion in losses on its first-gen EVs, and despite demand falling short of expectations, the company is pivoting to develop a new universal electric vehicle platform, planning to launch a midsize electric pickup priced around $30,000, aiming for profitability from the outset.
- Manufacturing Efficiency Gains: The new platform reduces total parts by 20% and cuts 40% of process workstations on the factory floor, allowing Ford to lower production costs through streamlined manufacturing processes, thereby enhancing overall profitability.
- Battery Cost Control: Ford opts for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which are cheaper and safer, as batteries account for over 40% of an EV's total cost; reducing battery costs is crucial for Ford to achieve profitability in its electric vehicle lineup.
- Market Risks and Opportunities: Although EV penetration in the U.S. is only 6%-8%, Ford remains optimistic about the midsize electric pickup's market potential, believing it meets consumer demand for affordability and utility, potentially filling a market gap and driving sales growth.
- Competing with China: Ford CEO Jim Farley emphasized the Universal EV Platform as crucial for countering the rising dominance of Chinese automakers, labeling it as one of the most significant innovations in the company's history aimed at enhancing Ford's competitiveness in the global market.
- Battery Production Strategy: The upcoming electric pickup truck will feature LFP batteries produced at Michigan's Blue Oval Battery Park, showcasing Ford's commitment to in-house battery technology and enhancing the market appeal of its electric vehicle offerings.
- Partnership with BYD: Ford is reportedly exploring partnerships with BYD to procure batteries for its hybrid models, indicating a strategic pivot away from all-electric mobility, especially after scrapping the production of the F-150 Lightning EV pickup, highlighting a focus on diversified power solutions.
- Market Performance Insights: Benzinga Edge rankings indicate that Ford scores well on momentum, value, and quality metrics, with favorable price trends observed in the short, medium, and long term, reflecting market confidence in its future growth prospects.
- Technology Upgrade: Waymo recently launched its sixth-generation Waymo Driver technology, featuring a 17-megapixel imaging system that claims to be a generation ahead of other automotive cameras in dynamic range, low-light sensitivity, and resolution, enhancing safety and accuracy in autonomous driving.
- LiDAR Advantage: Utilizing LiDAR technology, Waymo's per-vehicle costs are estimated to be two to three times higher than Tesla's, yet its superior precision and safety in rapidly changing road conditions may position it as the dominant solution for passenger vehicles.
- Market Competition: Success in the robotaxi market for Waymo hinges not only on the number of vehicles deployed but also on the choice of autonomous driving technology, with LiDAR potentially providing a sustainable competitive edge that distinguishes Waymo from its competitors.
- Industry Support: Ford CEO Jim Farley expressed in 2025 that LiDAR is mission critical for Waymo, reflecting broad support from industry experts for LiDAR technology, which further solidifies Waymo's leadership position in the autonomous driving sector.
Ford's Potential Strategy: Ford Motor is reportedly considering assisting Chinese automakers in entering the American car market.
Concerns Raised: This strategy is viewed by some as potentially detrimental to Ford and the broader American automotive industry.
- Strategic Shift: Ford has pivoted to focus on a cheaper EV platform, abandoning its previous investments in larger electric vehicles, aiming to meet market demand for affordable EVs through simplified designs and cost reductions, thereby enhancing its competitive position.
- Battery Technology Innovation: The new platform will utilize cheaper and more durable lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which, while offering slightly reduced range, are expected to lower battery weight through lighter vehicle bodies and improved aerodynamics, enhancing overall efficiency.
- First Product Positioning: Ford plans to launch a mid-sized electric pickup as the first product from this new platform, with an expected price point around $30,000, targeting price-sensitive consumers and competing with other electric vehicle models in the market.
- Market Competition Analysis: The new electric pickup will compete with models like the Tesla Model 3, Chevrolet Bolt, and Nissan Leaf, while also facing challenges from emerging brand Slate, which plans to introduce a modular electric pickup, intensifying market competition.
- Critical Price Point: Multiple automakers have confirmed that the $35,000 to $50,000 price range is essential for mass-market EV adoption, with Rivian and Ford specifically targeting this segment in their strategic plans.
- Lack of Options: Despite years of EV development, industry executives acknowledge a surprising lack of compelling choices at accessible price points, making the options significantly fewer compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.
- Demand Fluctuations: While near-term consumer demand has softened, particularly following policy changes like the elimination of tax credits, automakers remain confident in the long-term potential for EV adoption, believing the market still holds promise.
- Cost Reduction Focus: All companies emphasize ongoing efforts to reduce battery costs, manufacturing expenses, and overall vehicle costs to achieve profitability at lower price points, ensuring competitiveness in the future market.











