A revolution in the automotive industry is underway, and South Carolina is helping lead the charge – literally. Sustainability initiatives and fluctuating oil prices are shifting the sector toward electric vehicles (EV) as alternatives to gas-powered combustion engines. And, that shift is accelerating within our borders.
Already known as an automotive powerhouse that boasts some of the world’s biggest names, South Carolina is now a major driver in the EV revolution – with a growing roster of automotive companies making commitments to build next-generation vehicles within our borders.
Just this week, Oshkosh Defense announced a new $155 million operation in Spartanburg County that will manufacture United States Postal Service Next Generation Delivery Vehicles. And, earlier this month, Volvo Cars announced a $118 million expansion at its Berkeley County plant to produce Polestar 3 battery electric vehicles, which will join S60s and next-generation electric Volvos manufactured at the facility.
Additionally in the last 12 months: Mercedes-Benz Vans announced the company will produce its newest eSprinters at its Charleston County facility as part of the company’s electrification shift; BMW Plant Spartanburg reported record production highs in 2020 for its plug-in hybrid X3 xDrive30e and the X5 xDrive45e models; and, last October, global EV company Arrival announced its first U.S. microfactory in York County to manufacture electric buses.
While recent announcements show that South Carolina is at the forefront of this burgeoning sector, we have been plugged into the EV game for some time. In fact, zero-emission electric transit vehicle maker Proterra has been operating in Greenville County since 2011.
These companies, along with others in the state that produce electric vehicles, also lead to additional capital investment and job creation through their supplier networks – with companies that specialize in EV-related products and technologies wanting to be close by.
It’s clear that South Carolina is focused on the future. We worked hard for years to cultivate our reputation as a global leader in automotive, and Team S.C. is charged with remaining on top. By building on the momentum we are gaining in the electric vehicle market, we will ensure just that.