In Alabama, we understand what it means to build things that matter. We’ve long been home to builders and winners – our steel won wars and built the skyscrapers of American prosperity.
Now, we are a top state for automotive manufacturing and the No. 1 automotive exporter in the U.S.
That’s why it’s no surprise that our state is quickly becoming a hub for one of the most important industries of the future: Electric vehicles (EVs).
Now, I know the term “electrical vehicle” is wrapped in a lot of rhetoric and politics. But this isn’t about politics. It’s about our economic future, national security and keeping America globally competitive. Electric vehicles are no longer a “green industry.” They are a strategic industry – the big game we can’t afford to lose.
Competing with China
Right now, the Chinese Communist Party is pouring billions into dominating the global EV market. They’re building the cars, the batteries, and the supply chains – not to save the planet, but to control this strategic industry of the future.
China’s automakers are expected to account for nearly a third of the entire global auto market by 2030, according to Bloomberg. When it comes to EVs, China already accounts for nearly two-thirds of global sales.
History has taught us that today’s innovation leads to tomorrow’s success. If America sits on the sidelines, we’re not just giving up market share. We’re surrendering our economic and technological leadership for the future. China’s investment and innovation in EV automaking will lead directly to domination of critical industries such as generative AI and quantum computing.
We can’t let that happen. We wouldn’t let China control our food supply or our defense infrastructure, and we shouldn’t let China corner the market on the vehicles driven by our children and grandchildren. Competing in this space is not optional – it’s essential to our economic security and sovereignty.
Alabama jobs and American energy
Alabama’s automotive manufacturers are responding. Since 2020, more than $2.1 billion has been invested in EV-related projects in Alabama, creating nearly 2,500 new jobs.
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in Tuscaloosa County is producing all-electric SUVs like the EQS and EQE, with a nearby battery plant in Bibb County and a $1 billion investment driving their EV production.
Hyundai is also producing electric and hybrid models in Montgomery, backed by a $300 million investment, and its supplier Hyundai Mobis is building a $205 million EV battery module plant expected to bring up to 400 new jobs to the region.
AIDT, Alabama’s workforce development agency, is constructing a $30 million training center in Decatur focused on electric vehicles and emerging technologies.
From EV charging technicians to parts development specialists, these careers are taking root here and supporting families. Alabama is also actively expanding its EV charging infrastructure, with more than 270 public EV charging stations now in place around the state.
Most recently, Drive Electric Alabama held a ribbon-cutting for one of the newest, located at Love’s Travel Stop on the busy U.S. 280 corridor between Auburn and Columbus, Ga.
Freedom, not mandates
Last year I bought an EV. I bought it because it was a great car and fit my needs. And yes, it’s a really cool car, too! I think everyone should have that same freedom to choose their car.
This isn’t about forcing anyone to drive an EV. I believe in consumer choice and free market innovation – not government mandates.
However, the free market works best when we have the infrastructure and the competition to give people real options.
Today’s investments in EVs expand choice, empower consumers and promote American-made energy. We’ve seen what happens when we rely too heavily on critical things like foreign oil and foreign chip-making.
It leaves us vulnerable on the global stage. EVs give us a path toward greater technological and energy independence, powered by tech and electricity made right here at home.
Driving electric means fewer dollars going to governments that are openly hostile to our people and our freedom.
As a conservative pro-growth legislator, I’m proud to support industries that make America stronger and our state more prosperous. In Alabama, we understand what it means to build.
But we also understand what it means to build a legacy of winning. EVs are not a fad or political statement.
They are the next step in Alabama’s legacy of manufacturing success and a critical component in the future of our security as a nation.
Mike Shaw represents Alabama’s 47th district in the Alabama House of Representatives. Elected to the State House in 2022, he previously served on the Hoover City Council.
