So, maybe this is more venting than anything else, but I just really don’t see any career upside in EVs for the next four years.
I work on the business side, and not directly for any of the automakers. But it seems basically inevitable that a Trump presidency is going to result in fewer EVs (with him targeting subsidies, “mandates” and tariffs). I’ve spent the last few years working almost exclusively in EVs and policy space, and it feels like my career path is crumbling, even if Trump is unsuccessful in some of the bigger targets (e.g., no way he fully repeals the IRA).
For other people working in the EV or EV-adjacent spaces: what are you thinking, career-wise? This feels like America is just giving up on a key industry. With protectionism and a lack of industrial policy, it just seems like America is going to fall even further behind China (and Europe), and I can’t see US automakers being globally competitive, and there’s not going to be much new EV demand.
So, is it pivot time? Or do we all just hold out for 2-4 years and hope that the IRA, CARB and EPA stay alive? Or is there some secret plan where Musk is going to electrify America (despite supporting subsidy phaseout and everything Trump’s said).
I’m in manufacturing and all of the Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers I talk to say it might slow but isn’t going anywhere. The OEMs have invested way too much money into EVs along with early retiring a majority of ICE engineers that they can’t go back. While it might not be as quick I still believe it is coming.
@Mark
Retooling factories doesn’t happen overnight, and in many cases, the vehicles going into production represent at least a decade’s worth of engineering effort. The automakers like GM who are ramping up sales now aren’t walking away from that kind of investment anytime soon.
@Randy
Hyundai just completed a $7 billion investment in Georgia, and Scout just built a $2 billion factory in South Carolina. Those states, even while controlled by Republicans, aren’t going to want to see that just suddenly disappear.
@Randy
Most likely they’ll try to get rid of NEVI and federal EV rebates as part of a spending bill sometime next year, which, as you say, will likely slow adoption and rollout of infrastructure, but it’s not going to make manufacturers give up on EVs.
@Jason
This one depends on the House and moderate Republicans who need money from people like the Haslams. When PFJ started getting NEVI money it became a form of relief.
There will likely be targeted NEVI spending near tourist areas, like the Bourbon Trail or Las Vegas casinos, where business lobbying can push for chargers.
@Jason
EV rebates and incentives aren’t going anywhere. Manufacturers want them, and most of the manufacturing jobs and investments have gone to red districts. GOP can’t cut spending to save their lives, so the EV incentives will likely remain.
EVs are not dying. Progress in batteries and climate deterioration don’t see politics. China’s EVs and global warming are progressing as usual, and if anything, climate effects will be perceivable even sooner now.
@Maria
Even disregarding climate change, EVs are simply better once charging infrastructure catches up. For those of us with home charging, it’s undeniably better for commuting.
California is key. You can dismantle federal regulations on cars, but people buy a lot of cars in California. Manufacturers often adapt to California’s regulations, meaning other states may get cleaner and more efficient EVs as a byproduct.
I work in EV charging, and honestly, I don’t think this matters as much as people think. If you’re on the policy side, maybe this shift affects you, but the reasons for moving to EVs over gas cars haven’t changed.
America isn’t the only market for EVs. If you enjoy working in EVs, you may be able to consult or work for companies that are expanding in foreign markets or even states that are more pro-EV.