Contact: Noah Barnes, Electrification Coalition
noah@electrification.org, (202) 461-2371
SAVANNAH, GA.—Today, regional leaders and industry experts gathered at the Savannah Visitors Center to spotlight the transformative impact of the electric vehicle (EV) industry on Georgia’s economy. The event, How EV Investments Are Powering Prosperity in Georgia, 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:
- Carter Infinger, Chairman, Savannah Bryan County Board of Commissioners
- Ben Pauluhn, President, Optimus Energy Solutions
- Joe Sikes, Communications Specialist, Canoochee EMC
- Joshua Corning, Clean Energy Program Manager, City of Savannah
- Skye Golann, Policy Manager, Electrification Coalition
Speakers discussed how EV manufacturing, battery production and supply chain development generate new jobs, attract investment and position Georgia as a key player in America’s energy and transportation future.
Chairman Carter Infinger, Bryan County Board of Commissioners, spoke on energy independence and economic opportunity. “Electric vehicle manufacturing is bringing new jobs and opportunities that are a welcome addition to our communities,” said Chairman Infinger. “With good-paying clean transportation and manufacturing jobs coming to Bryan County and nearby Chatham, Bulloch, and Effingham counties, we’re building a stronger local economy and giving families a chance to thrive.”
Joshua Corning, Sustainability Project Manager at the City of Savannah Office of Sustainability, addressed the city’s leadership and the health benefits of clean transportation. “EVs are an incredible tool that help us create a cleaner, healthier community with quieter streets and lower transportation costs immediately increasing quality of life for our residents.” said Corning. “By electrifying the city fleet and expanding the infrastructure that empowers residents to go electric, we’re improving public health and giving people the freedom to choose a cleaner, healthier future.”
Ben Pauluhn, President of Optimus Energy, emphasized freedom of choice and savings for EV drivers. “Every time we install a public EV charger, we’re expanding access and freedom,” said Pauluhn. “Drivers gain the freedom to choose clean transportation, the freedom to save on fuel and maintenance, and the freedom to support American jobs and innovation. That’s what our work is all about.”
Joe Sikes, Communications Specialist at Canoochee EMC, emphasized consumer savings and the region’s rapid growth. “With Hyundai’s major EV investment bringing new opportunities to our region, Canoochee EMC is now one of the fastest growing co-ops in Georgia,” said Sikes. “We’re making sure our members, many of whom live in smaller communities, can tap into the cost savings that EVs offer. That means lower fuel costs, less maintenance, and more reliable service for local families.”
With over $24.4 billion in private investment and more than 26,400 jobs created across the EV supply chain, Georgia is rapidly becoming the epicenter of America’s domestic EV industry. As highlighted by Governor Kemp’s desire to make Georgia the “electric mobility capital of the world,” 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.
A link to a video recording of the event is HERE.
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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