APEX, N.C.—Today, regional leaders and industry experts gathered at the IONNA Apex Rechargery to spotlight the transformative impact of the electric vehicle (EV) industry on North Carolina’s economy. The event, How EV Investments Are Powering Prosperity in North Carolina, highlighted the region’s emergence as a national hub for EV innovation, manufacturing, and workforce development.
The event featured remarks from prominent local and industry leaders, including:
- Ben Prochazka, Executive Director, Electrification Coalition
- Skye Golann, North Carolina Policy Manager, Electrification Coalition
- Emily Belding, Utility and Policy Engagement Associate, IONNA
- Joanna Helms, Economic Development Director, Town of Apex
- Don Utberg-Hood, U.S. Air Force (Retired)
- Terry Mahaffey, Council Member, Town of Apex
Speakers discussed how EV manufacturing, battery production and supply chain development generate new jobs, attract investment and position North Carolina as a key player in America’s energy and transportation future.
Quotes from the event:
Ben Prochazka, Executive Director, Electrification Coalition: “Unfortunately, we have a big challenge ahead of us, which is that China, so far, has been outpacing us, and they’ve really started to take hold of the electric vehicle industry. But it’s not too late for the U.S. to step up to the plate and find more opportunities to lead, but we need to act quickly, and we need to find the right policy mechanisms to move those steps forward. North Carolina has been a great example of this. They’ve been able to attract an incredible amount of industry from all sides of the spectrum.”
Emily Belding, Utility and Policy Engagement Associate, IONNA: “The Apex Rechargery is more than just our first proof of concept. It’s part of a larger story that we’re telling not only our customers, but the entire country that investing in electric vehicles and EV infrastructure goes beyond being green. The Rechargery is a revitalization of an underutilized parcel, which was a former gas station in historic Downtown Apex.”
Joanna Helms, Economic Development Director, Town of Apex: “Embracing the EV industry allows North Carolina to be a national and global leader in the transition to clean transportation. And there’s also export potential. EV and battery production in North Carolina is not just for domestic use. It has strong potential for international exports, which boosts the state’s trade status.”
Don Utberg-Hood, U.S. Air Force (Retired): “When I was in the Air Force, I spent 22 years until I retired in 1981, and I thought about how much our government is using oil for the military. If you’ve been on a base, you see how many vehicles are running around all day long, and it’s just burning all this gas, and how much money they could save just by going electric.”
Terry Mahaffey, Council Member, Town of Apex: “Industry data shows us that EVs offer lower cost of ownership due to reduced fuel consumption and minimal maintenance requirements. Any EV owner will tell you that. Many of the town’s administrative and light-duty vehicles are especially well-suited for electrification.”
With over $20.4 billion in private investment and more than 16,300 jobs created across the EV supply chain, North Carolina is rapidly becoming the epicenter of America’s domestic EV industry. These investments in EV manufacturing, infrastructure, and workforce development are driving economic opportunities across the state—strengthening American national security, driving local job growth, and protecting the state’s economy from oil’s price volatility.
The event is part of the national Freedom to Drive summer event series focused on how EVs are driving jobs and economic development in communities across the country.
Additional photos are available upon request.
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About the Electrification Coalition: The Electrification Coalition is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that promotes policies and actions to facilitate the widespread adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) on a mass scale to overcome the economic, public health and national security challenges that stem from America’s dependence on oil. ElectrificationCoalition.org
