Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has levelled his latest threats at electric vehicle (EV) companies in the US, while wanting to bring the biggest name in the industry closer to himself. Speaking to news agency Reuters following a recent campaign event in Pennsylvania – where the former president has been trying to drum up support – Mr Trump criticised the country’s EV tax credits. “Tax credits and tax incentives are not generally a very good thing,” he said when asked by Reuters on his thoughts about the existing scheme.
In the USA, EVs are currently eligible for federal tax credits of up to US$7500 (A$11,170), though under incumbent President Joe Biden’s administration stricter requirements around vehicle and battery sourcing have been introduced. Mr Trump most recently pledged to get rid of the tax credits in July, while also promising to end the country’s “electric vehicle mandate” despite no such requirements existing. When asked if he would consider tapping Mr Musk to become an advisor or even take up a cabinet job should his bid for a second term of presidency be successful, Mr Trump said the Tesla executive is on the shortlist.
“He’s a very smart guy. I certainly would, if he would do it, I certainly would. He’s a brilliant guy,” Mr Trump said of Mr Musk.
Last month, the latter publicly endorsed the Mr Trump’s presidential campaign, despite ongoing attacks on the US EV industry which Tesla dominates. Earlier this month at the N.