The state of Georgia is on the cusp of a major transformation with the construction of the first big electric car factory in the state. The $7.5 billion Hyundai complex, known as the „Metaplant,“ is set to produce 300,000 vehicles a year once completed. This massive project has economic development officials excited about the prospect of 8,500 well-paid manufacturing jobs, but the local community in Savannah is more skeptical.
Jerold Griffiths, a handyman living near the new plant, expresses doubts about the product itself, speculating that if his preferred candidate for president is re-elected, the plant may switch back to producing gas cars. This sentiment reflects a broader trend in Georgia, where Republicans are more hesitant about embracing electric vehicles compared to Democrats. A poll earlier this year found that 55 percent of Republicans say there is „zero chance“ they will buy an EV, highlighting the tech-political divide surrounding the issue.
The political landscape in Georgia is further complicated by the presidential election, with President Joe Biden championing the transition to electric vehicles as a key part of his agenda to combat climate change. In contrast, former President Donald Trump has disparaged EVs as part of his attack on Biden’s policies, labeling them as a „crazy electric Band-Aid.“ This political tension is evident in Georgia’s approach to EVs, with Governor Brian Kemp aiming to make the state an „electric mobility capital“ while facing resistance from some Republican legislators.
Despite the political divide, Georgia has become a hotspot for EV investment, with a wave of projects in the pipeline. The state’s economic development office has been successful in attracting major players like Hyundai and Rivian, leading to billions of dollars in investment and thousands of new jobs. However, the influx of EV-related development has raised concerns among local communities, particularly in areas like Pembroke, where residents are grappling with housing shortages and rapid changes to their way of life.
The article also delves into the personal experiences of individuals like Don Francis, a longtime advocate for EVs who has witnessed the ebbs and flows of the industry over the years. Francis’s journey reflects the broader complexities surrounding EV adoption in Georgia, where economic opportunities clash with environmental concerns and political ideologies.
Overall, the article paints a nuanced picture of Georgia’s evolving relationship with electric vehicles, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that come with embracing this new technology in a state deeply rooted in traditional industries. As the state navigates the transition to a more sustainable future, it grapples with the tensions between economic growth, environmental stewardship, and political ideologies.