Georgia leads EV manufacturing, lags on sales

In Atlanta, Republican Gov. Brian Kemp stands next to a Rivian electric truck while announcing the company's plans to build a plant east of Atlanta, Dec. 16, 2021. (John Bazemore/AP)

John Bazemore / John Bazemore

This coverage is made possible through a partnership between WABE and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization.

Georgia is leading the country in jobs making electric vehicles, batteries and other parts. Still, the state lags behind on people actually driving electric vehicles (EVs), according to a new report by the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.

The report finds that EV manufacturing continues to boom in Georgia, with more than 27,000 jobs announced. These employment opportunities can be attributed to major investments state leaders have pursued, like the new Hyundai plant near Savannah and EV battery makers.