Georgia bet big on EV manufacturing. Trump pulled the plug.
It's a grim moment for what was a booming industry in the state. But EV makers are still forging ahead.
Georgia has long been a hub for clean energy manufacturing, including electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels, and batteries. The state offered tax breaks and worker training programs to attract EV and battery makers, with notable successes like Blue Bird, Hyundai, and Kia establishing factories in the region. However, the Trump administration has disrupted this momentum.
The administration ended federal EV tax credits, imposed tariffs on EV-related components, and loosened emissions rules for gas-powered cars. Additionally, a raid on an electric vehicle battery plant by federal immigration agents further unsettled the industry. Despite these challenges, EV manufacturers in Georgia remain committed, adjusting their production methods to meet market demands.
Kia, for instance, has shifted its focus to hybrid vehicles due to declining consumer interest in fully electric cars. Hyundai has also increased its hybrid production at its Savannah plant, originally built for EVs. While battery makers are pivoting to produce storage batteries, Georgia's overall manufacturing investment, both for EVs and batteries, has faced significant setbacks, with over $4 billion in investments canceled or reduced in the last year.
Nonetheless, there is potential for growth as utilities invest more in charging infrastructure, and the local workforce remains familiar with these technologies, potentially driving future EV adoption.
Written by urgent.news from Grist's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
