Are you tired of being dependent on China for everything? Yeah, us too. That’s why the U.S. government is putting in some serious effort to boost our high-tech employment, lower carbon emissions, and get us off the Chinese-made goods addiction. And you know what the best part is? Tax incentives! Who doesn’t love a good incentive, am I right?
Now, industry observers are saying these incentives are crucial for making electric vehicles more affordable. Because, let’s be real, electric cars still cost more than your average gas guzzler. But hey, at least we’re making progress, right?
Of course, there are some pesky rules we have to follow in order to comply with the law. Starting this year, most domestically assembled electric vehicles can qualify for the sweet sweet credits. But now, there are some additional rules about where the battery components must come from. It’s all to reduce our reliance on China, who pretty much dominates the battery industry. That’s why our boy Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.) was so jazzed about these rules. He’s been telling the U.S. auto sector to kick China to the curb for a while now.
But don’t worry, it’s not too complicated. To get the full credit, automakers need to prove that 40 percent of the battery’s “critical minerals” come from the U.S. or a country we have a free-trade agreement with. And, just to keep things interesting, they also have to show that 50 percent of the battery’s components come from North America. Easy peasy, right?
If the car makers only meet one of those factors, they can still qualify for half the credit. Hey, it’s better than nothing!
So, there you have it folks. The government is doing its darnedest to get us off the China train and into a brighter, greener future. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development.

Serious News: washingtonpost