The Energy Department is giving automakers and suppliers nearly $2 billion to save at-risk or shuttered plants — if they convert to serve the electric vehicle market.
"This announcement is a hallmark of the Biden administration's industrial strategy, which is a strategy to bring manufacturing and jobs back to America after years of offshoring," Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm told reporters.Recipients include GM, Stellantis, Volvo, Harley-Davidson and suppliers like American Auto Parts. Officials said it would ensure over 15,000 union workers retain positions, and create roughly 3,000 new jobs.
All told, it will enable production of over 1 million "electrified" light-duty vehicles annually — a term that refers to everything from fully electric models to hybrids — and over 40,000 electrified trucks and buses, Granholm said.The White House is vigorously trying to frame the federal cost-sharing news with a message around the economy, which polling shows is top of mind for voters.