About the publisher: While the points made in the Times editorial about new EV tax credit rules are true, think of EVs’ glass as half empty if it’s also half full. Here’s real progress.

Similarly, you denounce Senator Joe Manchin (DW.Va.), just one of the small Senate majority pushing the boundaries of EV incentives, without mentioning the 49 Republicans who ultimately rejected virtually all EV incentives. If even a few “moderate” conservatives teamed up with the Democrats, Manchin’s importance would evaporate.

Those who recognize the urgency of the climate crisis must painfully acknowledge that there is a large and powerful constituency that disagrees. These are people who simply refuse to have a real debate because of the Kulturkampf and the political success of the “say no to everything” tactic.

The fact that automakers are now working to move production to North America to meet the new demands is a major win for the Biden administration and will help build public support for electrifying the auto industry. industry. That’s something to celebrate.

E. J. Parker, Long Beach

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About the publisher: One aspect not considered by many electric vehicle buyers is that these are federal tax credits, not purchase credits. This is an important difference.

If you’re retired or on a low income, you may not owe enough taxes to make that “credit” worth anything. This is not an instant payment or discount. Without knowing this fact, it can feel like a “bait and switch” scheme.

To really make a difference, EV incentives should include a direct credit of a car’s purchase price.

Robert Bachman, Los Angeles.

About the publisher: If you can’t afford an electric car, consider an electric bicycle.

They are much cheaper and much more climate-friendly. You can also cycle along the traffic on the bike path.

Justin Johnson, Redondo Beach