In a groundbreaking move for the electric vehicle industry, Mississippi lawmakers have unanimously approved state incentives for a factory set to manufacture EV batteries. This action is a step towards accelerating the United States’ transition to sustainable mobility and promises to bring about 2,000 jobs with an average salary of around $66,000 to the region.
The factory, which received broad, bipartisan approval, is a collaborative venture involving Accelera by Cummins, Daimler Truck, PACCAR, and EVE Energy Co., Ltd., a China-based lithium battery maker. These companies are set to invest approximately $1.9 billion for the plant in Marshall County, near the Tennessee state line, marking it as the second-largest corporate investment in Mississippi’s history.
“This is a significant milestone for Mississippi and the United States,” said Republican Gov. Tate Reeves. “We are not only bringing jobs back to America but also positioning ourselves at the forefront of EV battery manufacturing.”
The move aligns with the Inflation Reduction Act, offering $7,500 in tax credits for consumers purchasing EVs that are assembled in North America and include domestically mined or processed minerals. The project now awaits approval from the U.S. Treasury Department.
Chairman of the state House Ways and Means Committee, Republican Rep. Trey Lamar said, “This initiative demonstrates our commitment to embracing the global economy and the evolving technologies within it. It’s a win for job creation and a win for clean energy.”
The state incentive package totals about $365 million, including the site development costs at the Chickasaw Trails Industrial Park. Despite some dissent over the specifics of local hiring and additional investment requirements, the overall response to the incentive has been positive.
The factory will join the growing list of EV battery plants sprouting across the country, reinforcing the United States’ commitment to sustainable transportation. This project is a testament to Mississippi’s dedication to fostering innovation, creating jobs, and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker said, “Cutting the bureaucratic red tape was a challenge, but knowing it will change thousands of lives made the fight worth it. This project is an investment in our people and proof our state is worth investing in.”
The establishment of the factory marks a significant step towards positioning Mississippi as a leader in the EV industry. With this move, the state is making a robust commitment to sustainable development and job creation.
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