Detroit auto show drops EV-only track as Trump policies reshape industry

Don’t miss the full story, whose reporting from Alexa St. John at The Associated Press is the basis of this artificial intelligence-assisted article.

​The Detroit Auto Show reflects the U.S. auto industry’s retreat from electric vehicles under the Trump administration’s pro-fossil fuel policies, raising concerns that American automakers are falling behind China and Europe in the rapidly electrifying global market.

Some key facts:

• The Detroit Auto Show eliminated its EV-exclusive track this year, opening both indoor tracks to hybrids and gas-powered vehicles.

• U.S. electrified vehicle sales grew just 1% in 2025, compared to 17% growth in China and 33% in Europe.

• Pure EV market share in the U.S. was just under 8% in 2025, with 1.23 million EVs sold, a slight decline from 2024.

• President Trump revoked then-President Biden’s target for half of new vehicle sales to be electric and cut EV tax incentives of up to $7,500.

• Ford announced $19.5 billion in charges from electrification efforts and ended production of the all-electric F-150 Lightning truck.

• General Motors announced $6 billion in EV-related charges and rolled back some EV commitments.

• Trump’s administration weakened fuel economy standards and eliminated penalties for automakers who don’t meet them.

• Industry experts warn that China has captured major market share in EVs almost everywhere except the U.S. and Canada, threatening American competitiveness.

READ MORE: At Detroit auto show, spotlight dims for EVs