HB8768, the CHARGE Act, would amend federal motor vehicle safety law to restrict the sale, importation, and introduction into interstate commerce of certain electric vehicles and related equipment that are manufactured in whole or in part by a “foreign entity of concern.” The bill also targets vehicles or equipment that use a vehicle charge power control component made in whole or in part by such an entity. In effect, it would add these electric vehicles and components to the noncomplying motor vehicles list under title 49 of the U.S. Code.
The bill includes congressional findings arguing that the growing use of electric vehicles connected to the grid creates cybersecurity, reliability, and national security risks, especially if adversarial manufacturers could coordinate disruptions through vehicle-to-grid systems. It cites concerns about remote software updates, grid instability, and the potential for damage to devices, public safety operations, and health services if the electrical grid were disrupted.
If enacted, the bill would amend sections 30102 and 30112 of title 49, United States Code, by adding new definitions for electric vehicles, foreign entities of concern, and vehicle charge power control components, and by prohibiting covered sales and imports. The practical effect would be to bar certain EVs and EV-related hardware with specified foreign sourcing from the U.S. market, expanding federal oversight of automotive supply chains and potentially affecting manufacturers, importers, dealers, and consumers of electric vehicles and charging-related components.
The available context shows the bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, with no recorded committee transcript or vote history provided. Based on the bill text, the measure is framed as a cybersecurity, grid-resilience, and national-security safeguard, suggesting support from lawmakers concerned about foreign supply-chain dependence and critical infrastructure protection. No formal opposition is documented in the provided materials, but the bill’s restrictive approach implies likely concern from EV manufacturers, importers, and trade stakeholders.
The main point of contention is whether electric vehicles and charging components made by or tied to a foreign entity of concern should be broadly restricted from the U.S. market. Supporters are likely to emphasize grid security, cybersecurity, and national security risks, while critics may argue the bill is overly broad, could disrupt supply chains, and may slow EV adoption or raise costs for consumers and industry. The bill’s focus on Chinese manufacturing and foreign entities of concern suggests geopolitical and trade-policy concerns are central to the debate.