House Republicans vote to kill thousands, increase fuel costs $100B/yr
House Republicans have passed a bill attempting to block new emissions standards that will save thousands of lives and reduce fuel costs for Americans by $100 billion per year. Thankfully, however, the bill will likely die in the Senate, and will be vetoed even if it doesn’t.
The bill was passed today with a vote of 215-191, notably receiving less support than a full 220-vote Congressional majority would entail due to 25 members who did not vote (for various reasons – often, at this time of year, this includes campaigning).
The bill was voted for by 207 republicans and 8 Democrats (Caraveo, Cuellar, Davis (NC), Golden (ME), Vicente Gonzalez, Kaptur, Peltola, and Perez), and was voted against by 190 Democrats and 1 Republican (Fitzpatrick).
The one-sentence bill simply states that the new EPA emissions standards “shall have no effect.”
This is not the first time House republicans have tried to repeal this same rule. Last December, they passed another bill attempting to block the rule before it was finalized. At the time, and now, they made a big stink of blocking an EV “mandate,” but the rule in question does not include a mandate (perhaps if they could read more than one sentence they would know this).
But that bill died after leaving the House, and the emissions standards were finalized earlier this year, though in a slightly weakened form from the original proposal. Automakers and labor had asked for a delay in some of the requirements of the rules, though with similar final stringency as the original proposal had desired.
In the end, the finalized rule will save Americans $100 billion in fuel, health and climate costs per year. That amounts to a total of $6,000 in savings per vehicle, and it will cut climate pollution by 7 billion tons in total as well. It will also avoid 2,000 early deaths per year.
Even better, one of our favorite parts of the regulation is that it includes a signal that the government is finally going to try to do something about giant pedestrian-killing SUVs, meaning that in the future we might finally have access to some smaller, safer vehicles after more than a decade of ballooning vehicle size and danger, with pedestrian deaths doubling in the last decade.
The EPA rule was supported by doctors, nurses, scientists, environmental groups, many businesses, people who recognize that they have lungs which they would like to continue using (aka, a large majority of the voting public), and others. It also gained support of the UAW and of the automaker lobby (whose leader spoke on stage at the event to commemorate the rule) in its final form.
It makes sense from a patriotic standpoint as well – it offers a path for the US auto industry to move towards manufacturing the lower-emission vehicles of the present and future, which is important in a world where the US is falling behind on clean vehicle manufacturing.
Efforts to slow down US EV development will simply hand more of the EV lead to China, and smart industrial policy to drive domestic manufacturing investment – as the Biden-Harris administration has provided – is what’s needed to get us up to speed (the new tariffs, however, are not helpful).
And automakers clearly need the nudging from government, as they’ve been dragging their feet on climate commitments and production plans, even moreso in recent months as they’ve all fallen for their own propaganda.
So, basically everyone with any stake in this rule supports it, except for the 215 Congresspeople who today voted against it.
In addition, yesterday, republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee pushed through 3 Congressional Review Act actions which would reverse three other pollution-reducing and money-saving rules, related to power plant, particulate matter and heavy-duty tailpipe emissions.
All of these efforts are unlikely to take effect, as President Biden would veto them, and in addition there is a time limit on when CRA actions can be taken, which should run out before the end of this Congressional term.
Despite the “bipartisan” nature of today’s vote, with 8 of the more conservative Democrats voting for it, many have pointed out that republicans could be offering a strategic opportunity to those Democrats, allowing them to signal to their conservative constituents that they have an independent streak, while still knowing that this harmful bill will never go into law.
According to a recent analysis, the Biden-Harris EPA’s air pollution rules will collectively save Americans $250 billion per year (in excess of compliance costs) and will prevent 200,000 deaths and 100 million asthma attacks through 2050.
Electrek’s Take
Whenever we write articles like this, we end up getting a few comments saying “stop getting political! it’s not fair that you target one party!”
We do understand the point that compliance to new regulations can cost money. And sometimes, those compliance costs are high for little benefit. But here, those compliance costs and net benefits have been calculated, and they’re positive. As is the case with so much environmental regulation these days, especially with the advent of electrification and renewable generation, we can improve both the economy and health at the same time. That is the case here as well.
All we do here at Electrek is advocate for electric vehicles. We do this openly – you know that this is the position we’re coming from, and you know why we’re doing it. We’re doing it because we like clean air, we like energy efficiency, we like technology, we like better cars. We don’t make a secret about this. We want to live in a better world, and we’re pretty sure you do, too.
In our coverage of these efforts to live in a better world, there is one party which seems to be unequivocally against doing so. When we cover efforts to make things better, these efforts are not being led by republicans. And when we cover efforts to make things worse, those efforts are being led by republicans.
So when we point out, time and time again, that republicans are voting to poison you, this is not an example of us being partisan. This is an example of republicans picking the side of poison, and us reporting on it factually.
And in this case they aren’t even going to get it into law. They know this, and yet they still voted for it, as if to say: “hey, if given the chance, we want everyone to know that our goal is to kill you and make things worse.” It wasn’t even necessary for them to do so, they could try to keep it a secret or something, but it’s all out in the open. As the saying goes: “when people show you who they are, believe them.”
All of this is even more important when a US election is less than two months away. In this election, there is a stark contrast between the candidates’ platforms and histories on EVs and environmental stewardship. We suspect that most of our readers support both of these things, and since the environment is the base upon which all other issues are built – because without clean air, water, shelter, a livable environment, etc., nothing else matters – then we suspect that the path of action going forward is clear.
And so, we have to call these efforts what they are: efforts to poison you and cost you money. We would be happy to see republicans stop these efforts, and they can choose to do so anytime, and we will gladly and fairly report on it if they do.
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Luxury is a tough concept to pin down, but being constantly connected to work, kids, and telemarketers ain’t it. Genesis gets it, and its latest ultra-luxe off-road concept ditches screens in favor of the view out the windshield – and it’s got enough off-road chops to promise two things about those views: they’re real, and they’re spectacular!
Genesis calls its new X Gran Equator concept an elegant overlander for the modern explorer that marries on-road sophistication with off-road resilience. Whatever they call it, the 4×4’s dashboard is delightfully free from sweeping touchscreens, mood lighting, and any hint of telephonic integration.
Indeed, the interior looked so much like something from the 90s that I double and triple-checked the date on the press release. But don’t take my word for it, check it for yourself.
It’s fantastic
If you zoom in, you can see screens in the instruments. High-definition roll and pitch displays, altimeters, and probably other outdoorsy, overland-y things that the sort of people who want to do that in what would surely be a very well-appointed six-figure SUV for a similarly very well-heeled buyer.
And that buyer? They wouldn’t miss the screen, because the screen doesn’t matter. The real show is out the front windshield – and if someone from the office calls to interrupt the vibe, you won’t even know. I know I’d pay extra for that … and I can’t imagine I’m alone.
This is how Genesis explains it:
Inside, the X Gran Equator Concept orchestrates contrast between analog architecture and digital technologies, crafting a space that feels both functional and evocative. At the center of the cabin is a four-circle display cluster on the center stack, inspired by the vintage camera dials. The interior design features contrasting colors and shapes, with a preference for geometric over organic elements. The dashboard’s linear architecture and absence of decorations focus the driver’s attention on the journey, while swiveling front seats and modular storage solutions enhance practicality.
Genesis didn’t provide pictures of those swiveling seats or modular storage compartments on this concept, but the X Gran Equator Concept will make its in-person debut April 18th at the Genesis booth during the 2025 New York International Auto Show.
After the show, the company will move the concept to a display at Genesis House New York in the Meatpacking District, where it will stay “in residence” until the end of July. If you’re out that way for either event, take a picture of it and tag Electrek on Instagram!
Genesis X Gran Equator photo gallery
SOURCE | IMAGES: Genesis.
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The new-for-2025 Honda P7 electric SUV officially went on sale earlier today with 469 hp and more than 650 km (403 miles) of range from its 89.8-kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery … and you won’t believe the price!
First shown as a concept at the launch of Honda’s Ye brand a year ago, today. Ye is a joint venture between Honda and local automakers Dongfeng, who build the brand’s S7 model, and GAC, which helped develop the mechanically similar P7 that just went on sale.
And, by “similar,” I mean really, really similar. The AWD version of the new Honda P7 offers up to 620 km (385 miles) of CLTC-rated range, while the RWD can go 650 km (403 miles), which are identical figures to the S7. Even the crossover’s dimensions, at 4,750 mm long, 1,930 mm wide, and 1,625 mm tall with a 2,930 mm wheelbase, are identical.
Even the interiors – which are fantastic, by the way, with an innovative mix of screens, buttons, and super-slick sideview monitors – are tough to tell apart.
Honda Ye EV interior(s)
So, how can you tell the P7 apart from its S7 sibling? The P7 has C-shaped lighting elements that are distinctive from the S7’s X-shaped lights. The end result is a face that reads a bit more “Honda” to me, but that may or may not be a good thing in the Chinese market.
Pricing for the new Honda P7 starts at 199,900 yuan (about $27,200) for the two wheel drive variant, and is also offered with all-wheel drive for 249,900 yuan (about $34,000, as I type this), complete with the sort of advanced ADAS features you have to pay good money to supervise here in the US. That pricing makes both P7 models significantly less expensive that the what the company thought would be the vehicle’s main competitor, the Tesla Model Y.
The world has changed a lot since then however – and whether or not the Model Y is still considered a serious rival remains to be seen.
If you’re in the mood to check out an all-electric Honda in the US, click here to set up a test drive and explore local deals on a new Prologue. In the meantime, I invite you to take a look at some of the press photos of the new P7, below, then let us know what you think in the comments.
P7 image gallery
SOURCE | IMAGES: Honda; via Paul Tan.
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Kia just pulled the cover off its all-new 2026 EV4 today at the New York International Auto Show, marking the automaker’s first global all-electric sedan.
With a sleek design and practical features, Kia is clearly aiming to offer a compelling, affordable alternative to the flood of electric SUVs on the market.
The Kia EV4, set to hit US roads in early 2026, will be available in three trims – Light, Wind, and the sportier GT-Line.
Exterior and interior
Built on Kia’s 400V Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV4 sedan sports a distinctive low, aerodynamic profile with a sporty fastback roofline. The front showcases vertical LED headlights paired with Kia’s signature Star Map lighting and a modernized version of Kia’s Tiger Face grille.
Around back, vertical taillights and a two-piece spoiler emphasize the sedan’s sporty stance. Buyers can choose between standard 17-inch aero wheels or the 19-inch wheels exclusive to the GT-Line trim.
Inside, Kia’s EV4 emphasizes comfort, convenience, and spaciousness. A modern, open cockpit features high-quality materials, a two-spoke steering wheel, and an available 64-color ambient lighting system. With ample passenger room and cargo space, the EV4 balances practicality with a sleek, contemporary feel.
Powertrain and performance
The EV4 comes with two battery options: a 58.3 kWh pack delivering about 235 miles of range (standard on the Light trim), or a larger 81.4 kWh pack good for around 330 miles (Wind and GT-Line trims). Both models feature a 150 kW front-mounted electric motor.
Charging won’t slow you down: Kia estimates a 10-to-80% DC fast charge takes just 29 minutes for the smaller battery and 31 minutes for the larger. The EV4 comes with a standard NACS charging port and is on the front passenger side.
This Kia sedan has a drag coefficient as low as 0.23 Cd. Its updated i-Pedal 3.0 system offers smooth one-pedal driving, even in reverse and adaptive regenerative braking. Additionally, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability means your EV4 can power everyday devices like laptops or camping gear.
A tech-loaded interior
The EV4 features nearly 30 inches of combined widescreen displays. Personalization is easy, including themed interfaces and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Kia’s Digital Key 2.0 lets drivers manage locks, start the climate control remotely, and access other vehicle functions via smartphone. And Kia’s built-in AI Assistant ensures natural, responsive interactions, adding another convenience layer.
Comfort isn’t an afterthought, either. Dual-zone automatic climate control, available heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and acoustic windshield glass round out the premium feel.
Advanced driver-assist technology
The EV4 is equipped with Highway Driving Assist as standard, which automatically adjusts the vehicle’s set speed to match the posted speed limit (if initially set to the speed limit) and maintains distance from the vehicle in front.
Standard Hands-On Detection helps ensure drivers stay engaged by monitoring steering-wheel grip, enhancing safety on longer trips.
Other available features include Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, and Lane Following Assist. Optional Remote Smart Parking Assist simplifies parking in tight spots.
Look for the Kia EV4 sedan to reach US dealers in early 2026.
Read more: Kia EV Day 2025 recap: EV4 is coming to US, plus an up-close look at the EV2 and PV5 [Video]
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