As the Biden administration comes to a close, outgoing Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is defending the electric vehicle (EV) policies he oversaw, despite President-elect Donald Trump's threats to reverse them. In an exit interview with The Verge, Buttigieg expressed confidence that the bulk of his work will endure, citing the bipartisan support for EVs and the economic benefits they bring to the industrial Midwest.

Buttigieg acknowledged that Trump's plans to eliminate subsidies and tax credits for EVs could make them more expensive for American consumers, but he believes the market will continue to trend towards EVs due to their total cost of ownership benefits. He also emphasized the importance of supporting a "Made in America" EV industry, which has created jobs and driven economic growth in states like Tennessee and Kentucky.

The Transportation Secretary also addressed the politicization of EVs during the presidential campaign, stating that the administration did everything it could to stress that this shouldn't be a partisan issue. He believes that the market will ultimately point in a direction that favors EVs, citing China's investment in the technology as evidence of its economic strategy.

Buttigieg also expressed concerns about the dangers of climate change from a transportation perspective, particularly with the incoming administration's rejection of climate science. He emphasized the need for continued innovation and adaptation to prevent the worst effects of climate change, and expressed hope that state and local governments will continue to take action even if the federal government does not.

The interview also touched on the Trump team's plans to cancel the standing general order on autonomous vehicle and advanced driver-assist crash reporting, which Buttigieg believes is a safety initiative that should not be kneecapped. He also expressed concerns about the potential favoritism towards Elon Musk and Tesla, emphasizing the importance of fair and objective decision-making at the federal level.

Looking to the future, Buttigieg expressed hope that the next administration will continue to invest in infrastructure and transportation innovation, citing the potential for breakthroughs in areas like 500-year concrete and self-healing bridge components. He also emphasized the importance of delivery and project management in getting the most value out of taxpayer dollars.

Despite the challenges ahead, Buttigieg remains optimistic about the future of transportation and climate action, believing that good policy will ultimately endure regardless of who is in charge. As he prepares to leave office, he is confident that his work will have a lasting impact, and that the bulk of it will continue to move forward even if the next administration tries to reverse it.