AESC has halted construction at its facility in Florence, South Carolina, due to uncertainty surrounding federal policies affecting projects nationwide. The company, which invests $1 billion in the region and employs 200+ workers, plans to resume construction once conditions stabilize.
The global leader in high-performance battery development for electric vehicles and energy storage systems made the announcement amid growing concerns over federal policy shifts. Despite this, AESC reaffirmed its commitment to creating 1,600 jobs and investing $1.6 billion in the region.
According to a recent survey by AAA, only 16% of Americans are likely or very likely to purchase an electric vehicle, marking the lowest recorded interest since 2019. The main barriers to adoption cited were high costs associated with battery repairs and vehicle purchases, as well as perceptions that electric vehicles are unsuitable for long-distance travel.
AESC’s pause in construction follows public disputes between President Trump and Elon Musk over a proposed mandate requiring Americans to buy electric vehicles. The “Big, Beautiful Bill” passed the Republican-controlled House but remains uncertain in the Senate.
Source: https://wpde.com/news/local/aesc-plant-construction-stop-pause-big-beautiful-bill-electric-car-ev-market-buyer-factory-jobs-florence-south-carolina-bmw