A Japanese-headquartered battery cell maker, Envision Automotive Energy Supply Co., has paused construction on its manufacturing plant in South Carolina, delaying the creation of 1,600 new jobs for the state. The pause comes two years after the company broke ground on the facility near Florence.
The decision was made due to policy and market uncertainty, according to a statement from spokesman Brad Grantham. Despite investing over $1 billion into the facility, Grantham said the company “fully intends to meet our commitments” to create jobs and invest in the region.
Governor Henry McMaster pointed to the uncertainty in Washington as a reason for the pause, but emphasized that he remains confident in South Carolina’s economy. The governor stated that he is communicating with state officials, company representatives, and the White House, urging people to “relax” as the situation unfolds.
The halt comes after multiple setbacks for the electric vehicle industry, including canceled investments and a lag in growth. Automakers have also shifted away from goals of going all-electric, favoring a mix of electric and plug-in hybrids.
A repeal of consumer tax credits could further slow progress. However, South Carolina remains committed to supporting existing companies, including AESC, with unaffected incentives worth $121 million in bonds and $135 million in grants.
Source: https://scdailygazette.com/2025/06/05/electric-vehicle-battery-company-halts-construction-of-sc-manufacturing-plant