As electric vehicles (EVs) become the global automotive trend for the future, John Walsh, Founder and CEO of Endera, joined Senator Michael Rulli, R-Salem, and other state leaders today in Columbus where the new Accelerating Ohio’s Auto Industry bill was introduced. Endera has a 250,000 SF national manufacturing hub located in Ottawa, OH.
Sponsored by Senator Rulli, the AOAI bill sends a strong signal that Ohio is positioned to be an EV leader and partner to the auto industry as it shifts to EV production. Components of the bill focus on:
- Investing in workforce development and training to ensure a qualified workforce in Ohio that supports an expanding automotive market and the growth of quality jobs related to charging and maintaining EVs.
- Funding for factory retooling across the industry to ensure vehicles and parts continue to be made in Ohio, thereby protecting and growing Ohio jobs.
- Incentives for EVs and EV parts production and fleet and consumer vehicles.
- Much-needed investments to accelerate construction of EV charging infrastructure. Ohio will get $140 MM for charging stations through the bipartisan infrastructure bill.
“I’ve seen the devastating impact of auto manufacturing leaving, and I don’t want it to continue,” Senator Rulli said. “Passage of this aggressive, multi-part legislative package is critical to provide resources and innovation to Voltage Valley and the rest of Ohio to grow our auto industry for future generations.”
JobsOhio, the state’s private economic development corporation, estimates that Ohio is home to over 108,000 jobs in the automotive industry. Automakers have pledged to invest $330 billion in electric vehicle production by 2025, and manufacturers are deciding now where to site those facilities, and therefore the location of future jobs.
“We support the Accelerating Ohio’s Auto Industry bill championed by Senator Rulli,” said John Walsh, founder and CEO of Endera located in Ottawa, OH.
“Our aim is to help the state secure a leadership position in EV manufacturing and employ Ohioans at well-paying jobs with ample opportunity for training and advancement.
With crucial government investment, we’re building zero-emissions vehicles which clean the air and reduce our dependence on foreign fossil fuels, all while creating economic opportunities for the people of Ohio.”
Clean Fuels Ohio said it’s seen the shift in technology and that Ohio is at an “important crossroads” to determine if it remains a strong auto manufacturing state or takes detrimental steps backward.
