In a recent interview with Grist, former Michigan Governor and current member of President Biden’s transition team, Jennifer Granholm, shed light on the administration’s plans to convert auto plants into electric vehicle (EV) production facilities.
Granholm, who has been a vocal advocate for clean energy and the auto industry, explained that the Biden administration is committed to accelerating the transition to electric vehicles in order to combat climate change and create new jobs in the auto sector.
The move to convert auto plants into EV production facilities is a significant step towards achieving these goals. As Granholm pointed out, “We have a lot of old, abandoned auto plants in this country that could be repurposed to build electric vehicles.” This not only reduces the need for new construction, but also provides an opportunity to revitalize communities that have been hit hard by the decline in traditional auto manufacturing.
But why is the government investing in this conversion process? Granholm explained that the Biden administration sees this as a crucial investment in the future of the auto industry and the country as a whole. By converting these plants, the US can become a leader in EV production, creating new jobs and boosting the economy.
Granholm also highlighted the importance of this move in terms of fighting climate change. Transportation is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the US, and the switch to electric vehicles can significantly reduce these emissions. “We have to electrify our transportation sector if we’re going to meet our climate goals,” Granholm emphasized.
But the conversion of auto plants is not just about producing EVs. It’s also about creating a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem. Granholm explained that the Biden administration is committed to investing in charging infrastructure, battery production and research and development to ensure that the transition to electric vehicles is smooth and efficient.
This comprehensive approach is crucial to the success of the transition. As Granholm stated, “We have to make sure that we have a supply chain for batteries and that we have the charging infrastructure to support the electric vehicles.” This not only makes EVs more accessible to consumers, but also creates a thriving market for EVs and related products.
The conversion of auto plants also presents an opportunity for the US to regain its position as a leader in the auto industry. Granholm pointed out that other countries, such as China and Germany, have already made significant investments in EV production. By converting auto plants, the US can catch up and even surpass these countries in terms of EV production.
But the conversion of auto plants is not without its challenges. Granholm acknowledged that there will be job losses in the traditional auto industry, but emphasized that the government is committed to helping these workers transition to new jobs in the EV sector. “We have to make sure that we’re not leaving anybody behind,” she stated.
In fact, the conversion of auto plants has the potential to create even more jobs than traditional auto manufacturing. As Granholm explained, “Building an electric vehicle is a lot more labor-intensive than building a gasoline-powered vehicle.” This means that the conversion process will not only create new jobs, but also provide opportunities for workers to learn new skills and advance their careers.
The Biden administration’s focus on converting auto plants into EV production facilities is a bold and necessary step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. It shows a strong commitment to tackling climate change, creating new jobs, and revitalizing the auto industry in the US.
As Granholm aptly put it, “When we look back on this moment, we’re going to say, ‘Wow, that was really the pivotal moment where we made the shift to electric vehicles.'” And with the Biden administration’s plans in motion, that pivotal moment may be closer than we think.
