We Need a Pro-Worker Transition to Electric Vehicles
The transition to electric vehicles is mandatory to address climate change. But if done haphazardly, it could result in massive job losses. Bold industrial policy and a rejuvenated United Auto Workers union can make electric vehicles a win for workers.
The Ford Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan, houses production of the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck. (DR / SP / Andia / Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
As the climate crisis grinds on, policymakers and economic elites are finally reading the writing on the wall for fossil fuels. The major automobile manufacturing companies have been devastatingly slow on the uptake, but they’re now starting to signal a greater commitment to the transition to electric vehicles.
Over the summer, Ford announced plans to invest $3.7 billion in electric vehicle production facilities across the Midwest. General Motors has increased its electric vehicle production target from one million by 2025 to two million. Newer companies like Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid have made their mark by manufacturing electric vehicles and are set to continue to grow.
While electric vehicle production is not free from environmental problems, the use of these cars over gas-powered ones would certainly be better for the climate.
This article is for subscribers only. Please login or subscribe to access our full archives and beautiful print and digital magazine starting at just $3 a month.