KATHMANDU: U.S. President Donald Trump has described electric vehicle range anxiety as a “disease” and called EV drivers “crazy” during remarks in Las Vegas.
Speaking at the Red Rock Resort, Trump claimed he had “ended the electric mandate.” He also said previous policies would have pushed Americans to switch to EVs within a short period.
Trump criticized drivers who worry about finding a charging station even when their EV battery is around three-quarters full.
However, the U.S. The government never had a federal rule requiring consumers to buy electric vehicles. The Biden administration had targeted 50% of new vehicle sales to be zero-emission vehicles by 2030, using emissions and fuel-economy regulations to encourage EV adoption.
EV demand in the U.S. has also slowed down from its recent peak. Electric vehicles accounted for 5.8% of U.S. vehicle sales in the second quarter of 2026, according to Kelley Blue Book.
The U.S. now has more than 250,000 public charging ports, although charging availability remains uneven, particularly in rural areas.
Trump’s comments come as his administration has moved to end the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, reducing incentives for EV buyers.
While range anxiety remains a concern for some EV users, particularly during long-distance travel, Trump’s remarks have renewed debate over the future of electric vehicles in the U.S.
