Time: 2024-07-19
Stellantis will receive 85 million in grants from the Biden administration to help expand its Electric vehicle manufacturing , with nearly 35 million going towards its Belvidere plant . The plant , which had closed in February 2023 , will be reopened to produce EVs , bringing back union jobs . The Energy Department is also awarding grants totaling .7 billion to General Motors and other carmakers to create or retain thousands of union jobs and boost EV manufacturing and assembly sites in eight states.
The Energy Department 's grants are expected to create more than 2,900 jobs and ensure that about 15,000 union workers are retained across all 11 facilities receiving funding . The grants will cover various aspects of the automotive supply chain , from electric motorcycles to school buses , hybrid powertrains , and electric SUVs . Stellantis plans to build a new battery facility on the property adjacent to the Belvidere plant , aiming to have it operational by 2028.
Moreover , the move towards electric vehicles is not only beneficial for the environment but also for job creation and economic growth . Illinois , in particular , has set aggressive goals for EV adoption , aiming to have 1 million EVs in the state by 2030 . The state has invested in charging infrastructure and incentivized manufacturers to build facilities , train workers , and create thousands of jobs . Companies like Gotion and Rivian have already made significant investments in EV manufacturing in Illinois.
As the demand for electric vehicles increases , concerns about the grid 's capacity to handle the load have been raised . However , the Biden administration has set a goal of achieving 100 % clean electricity by 2035 to support the electrification of transportation . By deploying various clean energy assets like solar , wind , and electric vehicle batteries , the grid can be strengthened to accommodate the growing number of EVs on the road.
Moreover , with the development of vehicle - to - grid technology , EVs can serve as a vast network of batteries that grid operators can tap into , making them an asset rather than a liability . This technology can add significant capacity to the grid and help balance energy supply and demand effectively.
In conclusion , the federal grants provided to automakers like Stellantis and General Motors will not only boost EV manufacturing in the U.S. but also create thousands of union jobs and support the transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable transportation industry . The investments made in EV infrastructure and technology will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Automotive industry and the grid.