A Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicle charges at a public charging station in 2021. Photo by Christopher Furlong | Getty Images
The American automotive industry is synonymous with innovation. For over a century, manufacturers throughout the U.S. have built a legacy of progress, delivering new and exciting products that push the boundaries of possibility. Electric vehicles (EVs) are the natural next phase of this development — and Arizona is already at the epicenter.
Almost 85,000 EVs are registered in Arizona, but Arizona’s connection to the EV sector runs far deeper. Arizona’s reputation means that more and more American companies are choosing to operate in the Grand Canyon State, and their decision to locate their headquarters and manufacturing facilities here brings billions of dollars into your communities.
Planned EV and battery investments from the past year alone are projected to generate $6.1 billion capital investment, $1.27 billion in labor income, and $92 million in state and local tax revenue — translating to nearly 20,000 short-term construction and long-term operations jobs.
These innovators already know business meets opportunity in Arizona, and we can help pave the way for more American companies to follow suit.
Meet the companies already operating in Arizona…
Almost 10,000 Arizonans already work across every phase of the EV sector.
Some process the copper essential for EV batteries in Pinal County. At Arizona Sonoran’s Cactus Mine , more than $100 million has been spent to develop a single deposit, and has generated $15 billion in economic activity — equivalent to hosting a Super Bowl annually for 40 years straight. Mining essential metals at home means that we have maximum transparency over this intensive process and are able to protect both workers and the environment.
More than 1,200 Arizonans work for KORE Power in Buckeye , both building the battery manufacturing facility and building the batteries themselves. These batteries power advanced energy technologies even beyond electric vehicles, helping modernize the nation’s electrical grid and move the U.S. automotive industry forward.
Another 2,500 build state-of-the art vehicles at Lucid Motors’ Casa Grande facility , bringing billions in revenue to the county and the state. Lucid’s cars are some of the best in their class and deliver the longest range on the market — pushing competitors to constantly improve their product.
Arizonans also recycle end-of-life EV components in Gilbert. At Li-Cycle’s Arizona Spoke facility, workers process up to 23,000 metric tons of lithium-ion battery materials per year, helping create a closed-loop system and ensure the precious materials we extract down the road don’t end up in landfills.
Other Arizonans are also investing in the EV sector. At Salt River Project, employees create incentives for drivers across the state and fund Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math scholarships at community colleges. Others have advocated for electric school buses in local governments and communities, helping bring clean and quiet transportation for your children. Electric vehicles — and EV policies — are already made in Arizona.
…And meet the moment to invest in Arizona’s future.
The EV industry relies on strong public-private partnerships and legislation to incentivize the deployment of critical infrastructure and improve consumer affordability. State and federal policies that create opportunities for rebates, tax credits, and managed charging programs support the Arizonan EV manufacturing economy.
Protecting and strengthening existing policies — especially key federal incentives like the Clean Vehicle Tax Credit and the Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit — will expand consumer choices and provide businesses with the certainty they need to keep investing in Arizona.
More and more Americans are choosing an electric vehicle for their next car, meaning that EV companies will only keep growing. They will be looking to build their workforce — and it’s up to us to ensure that future generations of Arizonans are in the running for these jobs.
Federal, state, and local leaders must continue to collaborate to create funding opportunities for STEM education programs that allow future generations to design, create, and improve products throughout the full EV supply chain.
Electric vehicles are here to stay, and companies in the EV ecosystem are continuing to look for the right place to put down roots. Together, we can establish Arizona as the first choice for the future of the EV sector.
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