EV fast-charger manufacturer Kempower is investing around $40 million in North Carolina, with a facility in Durham. Photo: Allison Joyce / AFPGrowing up, Devante Cuthbertson assumed he might have to leave his North Carolina hometown to pursue a career, but a new multi-billion-dollarThe 28-year-old from Greensboro is among students of an apprenticeship program at Guilford Technical Community College, working three days weekly with the automaker with an eye on future employment.
Last August, a coalition of Alabama and Georgia labor unions and civic groups sought an"enforceable agreement" with automaker Hyundai to safeguard workers' rights.Despite some strains, the employment prospects are energizing communities -- including Greensboro and surrounding areas built on industries like textiles, tobacco and furniture."I felt like I had an opportunity," he said."You become part of something bigger than just a job.
Since 2021, companies have announced almost $650 billion in US green energy and manufacturing investments, incentivized by grants. Ristimaki also expects government infrastructure funding will support demand, and that American and European carmakers will grow as they try to counter China's dominance.It also plans to ensure more than half its supplies are from US suppliers, to benefit from a government initiative to create a nationwide EV charger network.Evito Perez, 27, said his parents worked in the furniture industry but he now handles EV batteries, and views the green transition as a global trend.