Biden wants US automakers to pledge 40pc EV by 2030

The White House has told US automakers that it wants them to back a voluntary pledge of at least 40 per cent of new vehicles sales being electric by 2030 as it works to reduce greenhouse gas pollution, sources briefed on the matter said.

The administration is set as early as next week to roll out proposed revisions to vehicle emission standards until 2026.

Sources said a voluntary electric vehicle (EV) target could be as high as 50 per cent but emphasised that no agreement with automakers has been reached and many details remain under discussion, including whether that pledge will include various types of petrol-electric hybrids.

Mr Brian Rothenberg , a spokesman for United Auto Workers (UAW), said a published report "that we have agreed to 40 per cent EVs by 2030" was inaccurate. "The UAW is still in discussions and has not reached agreement at this point."

The UAW has opposed EV mandates, warning that it could put some jobs at risk.

General Motors declined to comment on the talks.

It has said it aspires to end sales of new US petrol-powered light duty vehicles by 2035. The White House declined to comment on the discussions.