A Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicle charges at a public station in 2021. Photo by Christopher Furlong | Getty Images
The American automotive industry is known for its innovation. For over 100 years, U.S. manufacturers have been creating exciting new products that push boundaries. Electric vehicles EVs are the next step in this evolution, and Arizona is leading the way.
Arizona has nearly 85,000 registered EVs and is a key player in the EV sector. Many American companies are setting up their headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Arizona, bringing billions of dollars into local communities.
In the past year alone, investments in EVs and batteries are expected to total $6.1 billion, with $1.27 billion in labor income and $92 million in state and local tax revenue. This will create nearly 20,000 jobs, both for construction and long-term operations.
Arizona is already home to many EV-related companies and workers:
– Nearly 10,000 Arizonans work in various parts of the EV industry.
– In Pinal County, Arizona Sonoran’s Cactus Mine processes copper needed for EV batteries. Over $100 million has been invested in developing this deposit, generating $15 billion in economic activity.
– KORE Power in Buckeye employs over 1,200 people to build battery manufacturing facilities and batteries that power advanced technologies and modernize the electrical grid.
– Lucid Motors in Casa Grande employs 2,500 people to build high-quality vehicles with long ranges, bringing significant revenue to the state.
– Li-Cycle’s Arizona Spoke facility in Gilbert recycles EV components, processing up to 23,000 metric tons of battery materials each year.
Other efforts in Arizona include creating incentives for EV drivers, funding STEM scholarships, and advocating for electric school buses to provide clean transportation for students.
The EV industry needs strong public-private partnerships and supportive legislation. Policies that offer rebates, tax credits, and managed charging programs help boost the EV manufacturing economy in Arizona.
Protecting and enhancing key policies, such as the Clean Vehicle Tax Credit and the Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit, will expand consumer choices and encourage businesses to invest in Arizona.
With more Americans choosing EVs, the industry will continue to grow, creating job opportunities for future generations. It’s crucial for federal, state, and local leaders to support STEM education and create funding opportunities to prepare Arizonans for these jobs.
Electric vehicles are here to stay, and Arizona can become the top choice for the EV sector’s future.