Kentucky’s economy is getting a boost with big electric vehicle (EV) investments. According to EDF’s and WSP’s U.S. Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Investments and Jobs report, the Bluegrass State has received $10.8 billion in EV funding and created nearly 12,000 new clean energy jobs over the past eight years. Ongoing and new projects from Ford Motor Company, SK Innovation, Envision AESC, Rivian, and Microvast Advanced Membranes will all increase those numbers significantly.
EV manufacturer Rivian recently announced they will invest $10 million in Bullitt County for a remanufacturing facility. The plant is expected to add more than 200 full-time jobs to the community while expanding the capacity and capabilities of its current 326,000-square-foot facility.
Photo Courtesy Rivian
“Kentucky’s manufacturing and EV industries have seen unprecedented growth recently,” Gov. Andy Beshear said in a statement. “Continued investment in our key industries is critical for our immediate and long-term economic success.”
“Rivian is an outstanding company that has been a major player in our state’s manufacturing and EV sectors, and this expansion is an exciting next step for the company here in the commonwealth,” Beshear continued. “I look forward to their continued success here.”
Shepherdsville welcomes the new investment as it will boost the town’s job growth with high-paying, secure jobs. “It’s an honor that they believe in our community to offer new opportunities with competitive wages,” José Cubero, the town’s mayor, said in a statement.
Photo Courtesy Rivian
Envision AESC will create 2,000 new EV jobs In Warren County with a $2 billion investment in a gigafactory. In Hopkinsville, Microvast Advanced Membranes — who manufacture synthetic materials used in the design of EV batteries — will build a $500 million facility predicted to offer 562 new jobs.
In Hardin County, Ford Motor Company and SK Innovation will bring as many as 5,000 new jobs with a $5.8 billion investment in two electric battery plants
. The project is the single largest economic investment the state has ever seen, making Kentucky a global leader in EV manufacturing.
“With Ford’s commitment, we have further solidified our role as a world-class automotive state on the cutting edge of research and development. I look forward to continuing to pursue pro-business policies in Kentucky and nationwide that will allow great American companies like Ford to continue to prosper and grow our economy,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Photo Courtesy Rivian
These investments further the clean energy momentum in Kentucky, which has seen a record two-year economic growth. The state also boasts plunging unemployment rates and an optimistic future growth based on the renewable economy. These new EV-related investments are central to making the future cleaner, healthier, and fiscally positive for all Kentucky residents.
“This project solidifies our leadership role in the future of the automotive manufacturing industry,” Beshear said in a statement. “It will transform our economy, creating a better Kentucky with more opportunities for our families for generations. Our economy is on fire — and now, it’s electric. Never again will we be thought of as a flyover state. Our time is now. Our future is now.”
