--- title: "US Slaps 50% Tariff on Steel, Aluminum Used in EVs and Exhaust Systems: TDS" date: "2025-08-20" modified: "2025-08-20" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/us-slaps-50-tariff-on-steel-aluminum-used-in-evs-and-exhaust-systems" categories: - "News" - "The Downshift" --- # US Slaps 50% Tariff on Steel, Aluminum Used in EVs and Exhaust Systems: TDS ![Electric Motors]() *\www.thedrive.com* Good morning and welcome to *The Downshift*, or *TDS* for short. Tight, light, and right, *TDS* is a short, quick-hit news rundown gathering all the automotive news bubbling from around the globe in one place. Grab a Pop-Tart and coffee. Feedback on *TDS* is both welcome and encouraged both on formatting and content via either the comments below or email (tips@thedrive.com). The first cup of coffee is gone here, so let's get into it. 🚘 What I’m driving: A 2025 Chevrolet Suburban High Country sits in my driveway and it's absolutely huge. 🔨 The U.S. Commerce Department said effective immediately a [50% tariff will be applied to steel and aluminum]() for 407 product categories, including EV and exhaust system components, on top of the country rate for non-steel and no-aluminum content despite Tesla and a group of foreign automakers urging the department to not add the parts noting there's no U.S. capacity to handle the demand. 🚙 A U.S. District Judge said [Tesla will have to face a certified class action lawsuit]() in California from drivers claiming Elon Musk misled them for eight years about the self-driving capabilities of Tesla's EVs. 🔋 Ford and SK On are [seeking buyers for the partnership's excess battery supply]() from a joint-venture Kentucky factory due to shifting demand for electric vehicles in the U.S. market. 💻 A $400 aftermarket device has emerged that [adds wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto]() to the Rivian R1T and R1S's touchscreen. 🛠️ Ford has now [issued 104 recalls]() in 2025 alone. 💰 The refreshed 2026 Acura Integra was priced and the small premium hatchback still [costs less than $35,000](). 🔌 Subaru plans to [test solid-state batteries](), which many people view to be the future, later this month in the automaker's robots that make engines and transmissions in Japan. *Have feedback on the formatting of TDS? Send us a note: tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()