CHARLESTON, W.Va. – On Thursday, a bipartisan group of 10 members of the West Virginia House of Delegates presented a citation supporting efforts to improve and enhance the economic development potential of electric vehicle production and infrastructure in the state. The citation specifically recognized the potential job creation and tax revenue these investments stand to create.
Last month, the GreenPower Motor Company signed an agreement with the state to build a 9.5-acre manufacturing facility in South Charleston. GreenPower will manufacture zero-emission, all-electric school buses in the state.
GreenPower Motor Company’s local attorney, Ryan White, joined the floor activity to receive the citation.
“GreenPower is excited to have the opportunity to manufacture in West Virginia,” said White. “GreenPower thanks all those in state and local governments for working to make this a possibility. The company looks forward to being a major economic contributor to West Virginia’s economy by providing up to 900 jobs at full production and providing an economic impact of up to half a million dollars a year at full production.”
On the same day, The U.S. Department of Transportation announced that West Virginia is eligible to receive up to $45.7 million to expand electric vehicle charging stations throughout the Mountain State.
Marty Werick of the WV Electric Vehicles Association commented, “EVs in West Virginia are powered by electricity made in West Virginia with West Virginia natural resources. However, combustion vehicle fuels must be brought into the state, because we have no fuel refineries in West Virginia.”
“Diversifying West Virginia’s economy is critical for being successful in the future, and by expanding electric vehicle manufacturing, we are taking a step in true diversification,” said Delegate Austin Haynes (R-Fayette).
