Not at all. In fact, it’s the opposite: Transitioning to EVs has created more jobs. Recent federal investments in EV infrastructure and deployment have catalyzed U.S. EV and battery manufacturing investment to the tune of $233 billion since late 2021. These investments have created 201,900 new U.S. EV-related jobs.
Since EVs require fewer moving parts, initial estimates predicted job losses from the transition to EV manufacturing, but a recent study found just the opposite. In the switch from internal combustion engine manufacturing to EV manufacturing, more workers were needed, sometimes by a factor of ten. Over time, more efficiencies were put in place, but the study found an EV plant “ramp-up” period can take 15 years with those additional jobs.
In addition, the labor required for battery assembly for EVs can add another 50% labor intensity. So, for every two workers needed to assemble an EV, another worker is needed to assemble the battery. Policies will be important in ensuring that EV jobs stay local. Onshoring battery and EV manufacturing during the transition to electric transportation will be important to the future of auto manufacturing in the U.S.
