Electric vehicle (EV) creation is among the latest policy fissures to open up between Republican Ohio Senate candidate J.D. Vance and his Democratic opponent, U.S. Representative Tim Ryan (D-OH-13).
Vance emphasizes the disadvantage many auto workers could suffer if EV manufacturing – less labor-intensive than traditional car making – expands.
“Massive subsidies to EVs give rich people a lot of money, with the added downside of destroying the midwestern economy,” the venture capitalist, author, and attorney lamented on Twitter Tuesday.
He cited a CNBC report warning that the increased building of electric automobiles could cool the manufacturing job market in Ohio and other Midwestern states. That report cited the work of researchers at Indiana University who predict that building EVs could take nearly one-third less manpower than conventional car manufacture does.
Two recently enacted federal bills, the CHIPS Act and the controversially named Inflation Reduction Act – both of which Ryan strongly supported – contain massive financial incentives for corporate entities to manufacture products that rely less on fossil fuels.
According to the market research company Canalys, 6.5 million EVs were sold across the globe in 2021, representing about 9 percent of global passenger car purchases.
In contrast to Vance, Ryan has welcomed EV manufacturing to the Buckeye State.
“I’ve been fighting for the Mahoning Valley to be the nation’s hub of electric vehicle production for years,” Ryan commented this winter after Fisker Incorporated announced it would build its EV called the PEAR in Lordstown. “With Fisker’s announcement that the PEAR will be ready for delivery in 2024, we are another step closer to making that a reality. With this partnership, we’re creating good-paying union jobs for Ohio workers, positioning the United States to lead the world in production of electric vehicles and batteries, and ensuring that movement happens right here in Voltage Valley.”
In February, Ryan celebrated Ohio’s eventual receipt of $20,739,853 in subsidies via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to manufacture EVs.
– – –
Bradley Vasoli is managing editor of The Ohio Star. Follow Brad on Twitter at @BVasoli. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Tim Ryan” by Tim Ryan.
