Michigan Set to ‘Dominate’ U.S. Battery Manufacturing
CNBC reports that Michigan is among the three states that will lead electric vehicle battery manufacturing in the U.S. by 2030
In a new report from CNBC, Michigan is named one of three states poised to “dominate” electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing in the United States by 2030.
According to the article, based on a November 2022 report from the Argonne National Laboratory, Michigan, Georgia and Kentucky “will be able to manufacture between 97 and 136 gigawatt hours’ worth of EV batteries per year by 2030,” thanks to plans currently in place. The U.S. Department of Energy noted that EV battery manufacturing capacity in North America in 2030 is projected to be close to 20 times greater than in 2021, with production capacity capable of supporting 10 to 13 million all-electric vehicles per year.
Michigan is leading the charge to position the U.S. as a global EV competitor through this increased manufacturing capacity. Last year, the state attracted over $14 billion in EV and battery investments while developing programs to train and employ the next generation of talent in the EV and mobility sector.
“2022 was a year like no other, as Michigan welcomed transformational investments that further demonstrated our leadership in the mobility industry,” said MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. “It should come as no surprise that Michigan is being recognized as a leader and serious competitor as we move toward an electrified future. We realize that Team Michigan, from Governor Whitmer to bipartisan legislative leaders to local elected officials and economic development partners, must earn daily the ability to dominate. In 2023 and beyond, we must and will get better, together across both peninsulas, and we will continue putting the world on notice that Michigan aims to dominate the sector that it created.”
EV and Battery Project Wins
Transformational EV and battery investments in Michigan in 2022 include:
- In January 2022, General Motors announced a historic investment of $7 billion, creating 4,000 and retaining 1,000 jobs, to convert Orion Township assembly plant to build full-size EV pickups and build Ultium’s third U.S. battery cell plant in Lansing.
- In March 2022, LG Energy Solution announced a $1.7 billion expansion creating 1,200 jobs in Holland manufacturing batteries.
- In June 2022, Ford Motor Company announced an investment of $2 billion, creating more than 3,200 jobs in plants across Michigan to support EV manufacturing growth and secure internal combustion engine portfolio in the state.
- In June 2022, Canadian EV charging network operator FLO announced an investment of $3 million for the company’s first-ever U.S. manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills.
- In October 2022, Michigan-based Our Next Energy announced a $1.6 billion investment to establish its first cell and EV battery pack gigafactory in Van Buren Township, creating up to 2,112 jobs.
- In October 2022, Gotion announced a $2.36 billion investment for a new manufacturing facility in Big Rapids, creating up to 2,350 jobs.
Michigan’s Got Talent
Michigan is also making investments to support the growth of the state’s high-tech talent pipeline. Growing Michigan's economy and investing in Michigan's workforce were focus areas of the bipartisan state budget passed in July 2022. The MEDC also put an emphasis on talent initiatives with the development of the Talent Action Team.
Led by MEDC Executive Vice President and Chief Talent Solutions & Engagement Officer Kerry Ebersole Singh, the TAT works across the public sector, industry partners and training institutions to provide talent solutions. The TAT’s goal is to train thousands of workers in the first year by delivering professional development programs where people improve their skills and competencies in line with in-demand roles.
In 2022, the MEDC convened the Electric Vehicle and Mobility TAT to launch the first focused effort on supporting the talent transition in the EV and mobility sectors. At the end of the year, Governor Whitmer announced the Semiconductor TAT, the second group MEDC formed as part of its commitment to providing concierge-level support to businesses looking to grow and expand in Michigan.
To further support high-tech career paths and strengthen Michigan’s global competitiveness in the automotive, mobility and technology industries, Governor Whitmer announced a $2 million grant to MICHauto’s High Tech Talent Strategy to strengthen Michigan’s global competitiveness in the automotive, mobility and technology industries. The grant was funded through the state of Michigan’s Mobility Futures Initiative with a goal of growing of high-tech talent in Michigan and bringing to life the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification’s MI Future Mobility Plan.
The Road Ahead
With its legacy of automotive innovation and forward-thinking approach toward investment attraction and talent development, Michigan will be in the driver’s seat on the road to 2030 and beyond.
Learn more about Michigan global leadership in transportation mobility and electrification at www.michiganbusiness.org/mobility/.
About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.
The GMC HUMMER EV is assembled at GM’s Factory ZERO in Hamtramck, Michigan. Photo courtesy of General Motors.
