Ian Ekroos, Sales member for McGee Chevrolet of Middlebury | Facebook
Ian Ekroos, Sales member for McGee Chevrolet of Middlebury | Facebook
McGee Autogroup has announced its support for a letter addressed to President Trump, opposing state and federal electric vehicle (EV) mandates. The company argues that these policies undermine consumer choice and impose economic hardships on local businesses.
Vermont is among several states that have adopted California's Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) rule, which aims for 100% zero-emission new vehicle sales by 2035. This policy requires a significant increase in EV adoption over the next decade. Auto dealers, including McGee Motors, argue that such mandates are unrealistic and infringe upon consumer choice.
According to Vermont Public, as of 2023, Vermont has approximately 400 public EV charging stations, leading the nation with the highest number of chargers per capita. Despite this achievement, large portions of the state still lack adequate charging infrastructure, posing challenges for widespread EV adoption. This disparity raises concerns about the feasibility of rapid electrification in rural areas.
A recent survey by Consumer Reports found that electric vehicles from model years 2021 through 2023 experienced nearly 80% more problems than conventional cars. This higher rate of issues raises concerns about the reliability of EVs compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Such reliability concerns may deter consumers from adopting EVs, especially when mandates limit their options.
Established in 1970 by Bob M. McGee, the McGee Automotive Family began with a single Toyota dealership in Falmouth, Massachusetts. Over the past five decades, the company has expanded significantly and now operates 16 locations across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont, representing 14 manufacturers. In 2025, McGee Automotive Family will celebrate its 55th anniversary.