One of the most prominent players in this electric revolution is Tesla, which is set to relocate its Berlin-based lithium-ion battery gigafactory to the heart of Texas. Collaborating with China’s CATL, Tesla aims to not only bolster its battery production capabilities but also manufacture next-generation electric vehicles in Mexico. This significant shift is expected to have far-reaching consequences for the EV market, not only in the United States but across the globe.
However, Tesla isn’t the only automaker charging into the EV landscape. Ford has also thrown its hat into the ring by announcing a strategic partnership with CATL for a new battery plant in Michigan. In an ambitious move, Ford plans to ramp up its electric car manufacturing sixfold by the end of 2023 compared to 2022, with a goal of producing a staggering 600,000 electric vehicles per year. By 2026, their target is to scale up production to an impressive 2 million electric vehicles annually. These ambitions are poised to make a significant impact on the transition towards sustainable transportation.
Meanwhile, BMW is actively pursuing plans to expand its EV manufacturing operations at its South Carolina plant, capitalizing on the opportunities presented by the IRA. Volkswagen has also thrown its weight behind the US market by selecting Canada for its first battery plant outside of Europe, which is scheduled to commence operations in 2027. The German automaker is additionally investing USD 2 billion in its South Carolina facility, underscoring its commitment to the North American EV market.
The IEA report indicates that while these investments are poised to drive substantial growth in the electric vehicle sector in the coming years, their full impact may only become evident from 2024 onwards, as these state-of-the-art gigafactories come online. This promising development is a testament to the growing momentum behind electric mobility in the United States, which has witnessed electric car sales skyrocket by 55% in 2022, despite a general downturn in the automotive industry.
As the world moves towards a sustainable and green future, the United States’ newfound prominence in electric vehicle manufacturing stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing the country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy solutions. The surge in gigafactory investments is not only driving economic growth but also spearheading the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable transportation ecosystem.
Source: Global EV Outlook 2023 | IEA
