Michigan has poured $1 billion into electric vehicle battery projects, with another billion pledged, but delays have stalled hiring for most of the 11,000 promised jobs. Now, some critics are raising concerns over the subsidies for the projects.
Economic experts say delays are common in large-scale projects, and it’s too early to call this effort a bust. Economist Brad Hershbein of the WE Upjohn Institute for Employment Research cites slower EV demand and opposition from residents who don’t want large factories in their neighborhoods. He says limited job postings are another key factor.
“Where there have been some job postings are typically for engineers and for doing design and managers and there’s still a lot of uncertainty coming ahead with the new presidential administration where some of the incentives that have been slated to be given out may not be given out in the end,” Hershbein said.
Despite delays, Michigan continues to prepare for EV battery job growth. In West Michigan, educators are training a workforce for Ford’s 2026 factory, and Western Michigan University announced a $700,000 plan to boost training for battery and semiconductor jobs. But Hershbein notes that developers often overpromise.
A 2024 poll reveals while 55% of Michigan voters believe it’s important for the state to compete in electric vehicle manufacturing, only about one in four would consider purchasing an EV as their next vehicle.
