Wisconsin manufacturers have the chance to become a critical epicenter of the global supply chain for electric vehicles, according to a new report from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. The chance to seize that opportunity relies heavily on public and private investments being made over the next several years.
“There is a tremendous opportunity for Wisconsin to develop a globally competitive cluster centered on the manufacturing of EVs and EV-related equipment, which in turn can help revitalize Wisconsin’s automotive manufacturing industry and drive statewide economic development,” reads the report, which was funded through a $1 million U.S Economic Development Administration grant.
It states there are several challenges in reaching this goal, including addressing “below-average” productivity in the state’s manufacturing sector and a shortage of qualified workers. The state would also need to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship around electrically powered technologies and have the infrastructure in place for widespread EV adoption.