- EV production in America supports tens of thousands of jobs, with Tesla, Ford, Hyundai, and Volkswagen expanding factories and hiring workers.
- Automakers have invested billions in U.S. plants, with Hyundai, Ford, and BMW strengthening local economies through large-scale manufacturing projects.
- Many EV components, including batteries and electronics, are now sourced from U.S. facilities, reducing reliance on imports and supporting domestic manufacturing.
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Did you know that many electric vehicles (EVs) are proudly manufactured right here in the United States? That’s right—American ingenuity is alive and well, electrifying our roads and charging up our economy.
But while the U.S. is driving EV production to new heights, the global trade landscape is creating a complicated road ahead. Let’s take a look at where EVs are being built across the country—and how tariffs, supply chains, and shifting policies could shape their future.
Tesla Expands Texas Production with Model Y and Cybertruck
Located just outside Austin, Tesla’s Gigafactory Texas colossal facility began limited production of the Model Y before the end of 2021 and hosted its grand opening, dubbed the “Cyber Rodeo,” on April 7, 2022.
The factory not only produces Model Y cars for the Eastern United States but also serves as the main hub for the Cybertruck. As of 2023, Tesla employs over 20,000 people, with plans to ramp up to 60,000 as production speeds up. Now that’s taking things up a notch—Texas style!
Tesla’s approach to manufacturing has allowed it to build a self-sufficient supply chain in the U.S., making it less vulnerable to tariffs imposed on Chinese, Canadian, and Mexican imports. While other automakers are navigating unpredictable trade policies, Tesla’s domestic production strategy puts it in a stronger position—at least for now.
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Hyundai Expands U.S. EV Production in Georgia
Not to be outdone, Hyundai Motor Group has set up Metaplant America in Ellabell, Georgia, investing $7.6 billion in a facility covering 16 million square feet. The plant is producing EVs and batteries in partnership with LG Energy Solution, and by 2031, it will employ 8,100 workers.
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the first model rolling off the line, solidifying Hyundai’s commitment to American-made EVs.
Ford Expands Tennessee Production with $5.6B EV Plant
Ford is making a huge investment in Tennessee, where BlueOval City will start producing electric pickup trucks, including the F-150 Lightning, by 2025. With a price tag of $5.6 billion, this project is expected to bring 5,800 jobs to the area.
However, tariffs on auto parts and battery components imported from Mexico and Canada could pose challenges for Ford, which relies on a more global supply chain compared to Tesla.
GM Expands Ultium Battery Production in the U.S.
General Motors (GM) is expanding its electric vehicle lineup with Ultium Cells LLC, a joint venture dedicated to battery production. The first plant in Warren, Ohio, opened in September 2022 with a capacity of 35 GWh per year.
A second facility in Spring Hill, Tennessee, began operations in March 2024 with a 50 GWh capacity. These plants are the backbone of GM’s electric future, powering vehicles like the GMC Hummer EV and the Cadillac Lyriq.
Toyota Expands U.S. Battery Production in North Carolina
Toyota is plugging into the American EV scene with its upcoming battery manufacturing plant near Greensboro, North Carolina. Announced in December 2021, the plant is set to open in 2025, initially employing 1,750 people across four production lines.
Each line will have the capacity to produce battery packs for 200,000 vehicles annually, with plans to expand to 14 production lines by 2030. That’s a lot of juice!
Mercedes-Benz Expands EV Production in Alabama
While headquartered in Germany, Mercedes-Benz has a significant footprint in North America, employing 13,321 people across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico (Source). That’s 7.6% of their global workforce, contributing to local economies while ensuring Mercedes remains a key player in the EV transition.
The Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, assembles not only their gas-powered SUVs like the GLE, GLS, and Maybach GLS but has also stepped into the EV future with the all-electric EQE SUV, EQS SUV, and the ultra-luxurious Maybach EQS SUV.
More than 60% of the SUVs built in Alabama are exported to nearly every country in the world—a reminder that “Made in America” doesn’t just stay in America!
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Volkswagen Expands ID.4 Production in Tennessee
Volkswagen began assembling the all-electric ID.4 SUV in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in July 2022, expanding its production footprint in the United States. This was a massive step for the German automaker’s electrification strategy, and it came with a hefty $800 million investment in its Tennessee factory, including a dedicated facility for battery pack assembly.
The American-assembled ID.4 is a North American product through and through, with materials sourced from 11 U.S. states—steel from Alabama and Ohio, interior parts from Indiana and South Carolina, and electronics from Kentucky and North Carolina. The EV battery? It comes from SK Innovation in Georgia.
More than 4,000 employees currently work at the Chattanooga plant, and VW has been actively hiring more than 1,000 additional team members to meet demand. Even suppliers have been pulled into the mix, investing $2.7 billion across North America and creating over 3,000 additional jobs.
With $7.1 billion in planned North American investments over the next five years, Volkswagen’s U.S. production footprint is only getting stronger.
BMW Expands U.S. EV Production with $1.7B Investment
BMW made a massive investment in U.S. electric vehicle production, committing $1.7 billion to expand its operations in South Carolina. Of that, $1 billion is allocated to prepare Plant Spartanburg for battery electric vehicle production, while an additional $700 million will fund a new high-voltage battery assembly facility in Woodruff, SC.
By 2030, BMW plans to build at least six fully electric models in the U.S., further solidifying its footprint in American EV manufacturing. The company has also partnered with Envision AESC, which is constructing a battery cell factory in South Carolina to supply next-generation round lithium-ion battery cells for these vehicles.
According to BMW Group Chairman Oliver Zipse, “The ‘Home of the X’ is also becoming the ‘Home of the Battery Electric Vehicle.’” BMW’s South Carolina expansion is expected to bring hundreds of new jobs, strengthen local supply chains, and help meet the growing demand for electric vehicles in the U.S.
Honda Prepares for 2025 With EV Growth and Hybrid Expansion
Honda is strengthening its position in the U.S. market with a balanced mix of electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles in 2025. According to Lance Woelfer, Vice President of Sales, Honda’s strategy will focus on hybrid and light truck sales while preparing for the Acura RSX all-electric SUV, which will be built at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio.
Production of the Acura RSX will begin later this year, and Honda will introduce a hybrid Prelude, further expanding its electrified lineup.
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Kia Expands U.S. Production with EV6 Assembly in Georgia
Kia is adding the all-electric 2025 EV6 SUV to its assembly line in West Point, Georgia, joining the EV9 electric SUV. Announced at the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show, this expansion comes after a $217 million investment, allowing the plant to produce both electric and gas-powered vehicles on the same line.
The investment also created 200 new jobs, bringing the facility’s workforce to more than 3,200 team members. According to SeungKyu (Sean) Yoon, President and CEO of Kia North America, “The announcement that the EV6 will be built in Georgia is a testament to Kia’s ongoing commitment to the U.S. market and the state of Georgia.”
Kia Georgia has an annual capacity of 350,000 units and has played a key role in producing award-winning models, reinforcing the company’s commitment to growing EV production in the U.S.
Lucid Expands Arizona Plant to Build Gravity SUV
Lucid Group is expanding its Advanced Manufacturing Plant (AMP-1) in Casa Grande, Arizona, adding 3 million square feet to prepare for production of its Lucid Gravity electric SUV. This brings the facility to more than 3.85 million square feet, allowing Lucid to integrate key processes like general assembly, powertrain production, body and paint shops, and stamping under one roof.
CEO Peter Rawlinson highlighted the expansion as a step toward improving efficiency and ensuring the company is ready for future growth. “Our expanded state-of-the-art factory will allow us to continue to deliver our great cars to our customers around the world, including the Lucid Gravity in the near future,” Rawlinson stated.
The plant will also include one of the most advanced stamping facilities in the industry, helping to streamline production and reduce costs. Lucid continues to strengthen its presence in Pinal County, Arizona, through partnerships with the Arizona Commerce Authority, City of Casa Grande, and Central Arizona College, supporting workforce development and training.
Polestar 3 Production in South Carolina
Polestar has officially started production of the Polestar 3 SUV in South Carolina, making it the first Polestar built in the United States. The facility will supply vehicles to customers in both the U.S. and Europe, complementing existing production in China.
Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar’s CEO, highlighted the importance of manufacturing in the U.S., stating, “Now we offer customers in America an electric SUV that is built in America. Exporting the South Carolina-produced Polestar 3 to Europe will strengthen our business on a broader scope.”
Rivian Secures $6.6B Loan to Restart Georgia EV Plant
The Biden administration approved a $6.6 billion loan to Rivian Automotive to revive construction of its electric vehicle plant in Georgia, which had been put on hold in 2024.
The facility, located near Social Circle, is expected to produce the R2 SUV and R3 models, with production slated to begin in 2028. The first phase of the plant is designed to manufacture 200,000 vehicles annually, with a second phase expanding capacity to 400,000 units per year.
Rivian initially delayed the project due to financial challenges, choosing instead to start R2 production at its Illinois factory to reduce costs. However, a $5 billion investment from Volkswagen in June helped stabilize its financial position, and the new federal loan gives the company the backing needed to move forward in Georgia.
Once fully operational, the plant is expected to employ 7,500 workers, further solidifying Georgia’s role in electric vehicle production.
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Tesla’s Gigafactory Nevada Powers EV Growth
We can’t talk about American EV manufacturing without tipping our hats to Tesla’s Gigafactory Nevada. Operational since 2016, this facility produces lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicle components. It’s the largest Tesla Gigafactory by land area and was the first of its kind, helping drive the growth of the EV industry.
The Trade War’s Impact on American EVs
While the U.S. continues to expand EV production, the trade dispute with China and potential tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico could alter the industry. Automakers like Ford and General Motors, which depend on foreign supply chains, could face disruptions if new tariffs increase the cost of parts and batteries.
Meanwhile, Tesla’s self-contained supply chains in the U.S. and China give it a competitive edge—though its deep ties to China’s EV market leave it vulnerable if relations worsen.
The Trump administration’s decision to pause tariffs on Canadian and Mexican auto imports is temporary, creating uncertainty for U.S. automakers that rely on parts from those regions. At the same time, proposed cuts to EV subsidies and charging infrastructure investments could impact brands like Ford, Rivian, and GM, which depend on government-backed funding for new battery and EV production facilities.
As global trade policies evolve, American-made EVs continue to grow, but supply chains, tariffs, and political changes will impact how they are built and at what cost.
Driving America Forward
From Tennessee to Texas, the U.S. is steering the future of electric vehicle manufacturing. Automakers are investing billions in American jobs and infrastructure, proving that the EV revolution is happening right here at home.
But as trade tensions rise and tariff policies change, the road ahead could be filled with more than just charging stations—it may also include higher costs, shifting supply chains, and new challenges for manufacturers.
So, the next time you see an EV humming down the road, remember—there’s a good chance it was built in the USA. Go USA!
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SOURCES | IMAGES: TESLA, HYUNDAI, FORD, GENERAL MOTORS, TOYOTA, MERCEDES-BENZ, VOLKSWAGEN, BMW, HONDA, KIA, LUCID, RIVIAN, POLESTAR | ELECTRIFY EXPO
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