The $1.7 billion bet on American-made EVs, explained by the Secretary of Energy

With apple pie, baseball, and tipping, the automobile has always been a symbol of American culture. However, in the 21st century, U.S. automakers – with the exception of Tesla – have been struggling to keep up with China’s electric vehicle boom. The Department of Energy recently announced $1.7 billion in funding to convert 11 auto manufacturing facilities in eight states into EV production centers. This initiative aims to create 2,900 new jobs and preserve 15,000 union jobs. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm explains that the goal is to reshore manufacturing, particularly in the clean energy sector, and revitalize communities impacted by globalization. The funding will also support the production of electric buses, which are essential for reducing harmful emissions and improving public health. By investing in EV infrastructure and increasing demand through tax credits and charging stations, the Biden administration aims to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles. Moreover, advancements in vehicle-to-grid technology will allow EVs to serve as a valuable resource for the grid, helping to balance energy supply and demand. The selection of facilities for funding was based on merit, not politics, and any efforts to reverse this funding in the future would be detrimental to job creation and industrial growth.