President Joe Biden received criticism on Monday for pushing an electric truck that costs over $100,000 and has a history of problems while praising his $7,500 tax credit for electric automobiles.
The image was shot in 2021 while Biden was inspecting the General Motors Factory ZERO electric vehicle assembly factory in Detroit, Michigan, and test-driving an electric Hummer.
“The great American road trip will be completely electrified under my leadership,” according to Biden. “You may now receive up to $7,500 on a new electric vehicle thanks to a tax credit.”
According to Reuters, Biden’s statements on the tax credit are false because a vast majority of new electric vehicles—roughly 70%—do not meet the requirements.
The electric Hummer that Biden displayed in the tweet is much more costly than the maximum MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price), hence it is not eligible for the tax credit.
The base model of the electric Hummer has an MSRP of $86,645, but owing to market demand and ongoing supply chain problems, buyers will have a very tough time locating even the lowest-level vehicle for under $100,000.
The MSRP of the electric Hummer’s higher trim levels is $112,595, however, they typically sell for much more money. The highest price ever paid for an electric Hummer was $324,500.
The relaunch of the electric Hummers has been hampered by serious problems, including recalls due to water getting into the battery packs and the vehicle sporadically dying on and off road.
“How out of touch can you be,” Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) said.
Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS) tweeted, “Great example of an out-of-touch Green New Deal idea placed into Biden’s so-called Inflation Reduction Act last Congress. Kansas households facing escalating costs shouldn’t be compelled to fund Americans purchasing any luxury EVs.That car costs roughly $100,000.”
“Biden is providing free promotion to the Hummer EV, a 4.5-ton monstrosity so inefficient that it pollutes more for each mile than a *gas-powered* sedan,” said David Zipper, a visiting fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School in response.
“As if the POTUS tweet wasn’t offensive enough,” Zipper said, “the Hummer EV isn’t even qualified for a $7,500 government credit. The credit is capped at $80k, while the Hummer EV costs about $110,000.”
Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), among others, replied by making fun of Biden.
AMERICANS: We can't afford to fill up our gas tanks. Please help us.
BIDEN: https://t.co/8euOUqKIWB pic.twitter.com/droIwMVumN
— Guy Reschenthaler (@GReschenthaler) January 30, 2023
