Electric vehicles (EVs) have become a battleground for the 2024 presidential race as contenders like Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis criticize them, citing them as a threat to American jobs and China’s economic advantage. However, despite Republican skepticism, EV investments are proving to be a significant revenue source and job generator in key swing states crucial for the upcoming election.
States like Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, and Michigan have seen substantial investments, amounting to $48 billion, in EV and battery manufacturing since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022. These states, along with Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina, are pivotal in determining election outcomes.
The Biden administration and some Democratic candidates are leveraging these investments, emphasizing job creation rather than focusing solely on EVs themselves. Campaign strategists recognize the potential influence of the $128 billion domestic EV investment on voter sentiment.
Despite Republican criticism at the national level, some state-level Republicans, like Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, support state-level tax credits that attract EV manufacturers while opposing federal initiatives like the IRA.
Democratic candidates, such as Kirsten Engel in Arizona and advocacy groups like Clean Energy for America, are highlighting how Democratic legislation has facilitated EV job growth in their regions. These investments have become a central point in their campaign conversations, aiming to sway voters by emphasizing job creation and economic opportunities.
