By Onnie Stone
During his visits to Michigan, Donald Trump has been targeting autoworkers by touting the “danger” of electric vehicles (EVs). But how big of a threat are EVs, really?
Let’s face reality for a moment: Our environment is in shambles. It’s bad, and it’s getting worse fast. This worsening environment is a problem for Michigan too.
Why is the Environment Important?
Aren’t we talking about Trump targeting autoworkers? What does the environment have to do with anything? Well, climate change is a global concern, and other countries are making strong efforts to preserve our environment. For instance, the UK government plans to ban the manufacturing of gas-powered vehicles by 2030, reflecting a broader global shift toward electric vehicles. According to the International Energy Agency, global EV sales are projected to reach 30% of total car sales by 2030.
That’s right, gas is out of style. Electric vehicles are the new, cool thing that will be bringing manufacturers money. And who dominates the EV market right now? Trump’s favorite enemy: China.
The Economic Stakes
Suddenly, Trump’s anti-EV rhetoric is starting to sound pretty anti-American.T his is not just about the environment; it’s about jobs and economic growth.
Transitioning to EVs could create thousands of new jobs in Michigan alone. If we keep fighting this shift, we could lose our competitive edge in the auto industry.
America has fallen from its place at the forefront of auto innovation, and if we don’t adapt we’ll be left in the dust.
As we stand at a crossroads in the auto industry, the choices we make today will shape our future. Are we going to whine about “the good ol’ days” of gas-powered vehicles and throw a tantrum when China is the leader of the new auto industry? We could. Or, we could read the writing on the wall by empowering our auto manufacturers and promoting EV innovation.
This isn’t going to be easy for many autoworkers. To stay relevant, they will need to adapt and learn about new technologies. But this change isn’t something Donald Trump can stop. The transition from gas to electric is inevitable; it’s a necessity for both our environment and our economy.
If you are interested in what we can do to make a place for America in the EV industry, there are ongoing efforts to build EV components in Michigan. You can get involved in local initiatives supporting EV education and training, advocate for policies that promote sustainable manufacturing, and make your voice heard in the upcoming election.
The question isn’t whether we can make this shift; it’s whether we will. And who we elect as the next president of the United States could determine where we stand in the race to the future.
