Wisconsin has long been known as a manufacturing state, with a strong tradition of making things. Now, as the world moves toward a more sustainable future, Wisconsin has the potential to become a global manufacturing hub for electric vehicle production. However, to achieve this potential, the state will need more skilled workers and training to meet the demands of the rapidly growing electric vehicle market.
The electric vehicle industry is booming, with demand for electric cars growing at an exponential rate. In 2020, electric vehicle sales accounted for 4.2% of all new car sales globally, up from just 2.5% the year before. By 2030, it is estimated that electric vehicles will make up 58% of new car sales worldwide. This growth is being driven by several factors, including increasing environmental concerns and the decreasing cost of battery technology.
As more countries pledge to phase out fossil fuel-powered cars in the coming years, demand for electric vehicles is only going to continue to rise. Wisconsin has a unique opportunity to capitalize on this trend and become a global manufacturing hub for electric vehicle production.
The state already has a strong manufacturing base, with companies like Harley-Davidson, Briggs & Stratton, and Kohler Co. all based in Wisconsin. These companies have a wealth of experience in manufacturing, which could be leveraged to produce electric vehicles.
In addition to its existing manufacturing base, Wisconsin also has a skilled workforce that could be trained to work in the electric vehicle industry. However, to fully realize its potential, the state will need to invest in training programs to ensure that its workers have the necessary skills to work in this growing industry.
Fortunately, there are already efforts underway to train Wisconsin’s workforce for the electric vehicle industry. The Milwaukee Area Technical College, for example, has launched a program to train students to work on electric and hybrid vehicles.
Wisconsin’s Role in Electric Vehicle Manufacturing
Additionally, the Wisconsin Technical College System has created a program to train students to work on electric vehicle charging stations. These programs are a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done. Wisconsin’s leaders should work to create more training programs for electric vehicle manufacturing and assembly, as well as for the maintenance and repair of electric vehicles.
In addition to training its workforce, Wisconsin will also need to attract electric vehicle manufacturers to the state. This will require a combination of tax incentives, favorable regulatory policies, and infrastructure investments, such as charging stations and battery recycling facilities.
If Wisconsin can successfully attract electric vehicle manufacturers to the state and train its workforce to meet the demands of the industry, it has the potential to become a global manufacturing hub for electric vehicle production. This would not only provide good jobs for Wisconsin workers but also help the state to transition to a more sustainable future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Wisconsin has a unique opportunity to become a global manufacturing hub for electric vehicle production. However, to achieve this potential, the state will need to invest in training programs for its workforce and attract electric vehicle manufacturers to the state. With the right policies and investments, Wisconsin could be at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution, providing good jobs and helping to create a more sustainable future.
