Published on: August 13, 2021 at 6:00 PM

By Michael Tomberlin

The electric vehicle evolution that is taking place in the automotive industry is having a huge effect on Alabama’s economic development efforts.

As the state’s automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) ramp up production of EVs, starting with Mercedes-Benz next year, Alabama has to ensure the suppliers in the state are in a position to make the transition where possible.

“The interesting thing about economic development and what we’re doing at Commerce, is we are always asking that question: ‘What’s next?’,” said Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield. “If you’re not evolving, you’re dying and that’s exactly what we’re seeing with the automotive industry, is the automotive industry is evolving its technology. That evolution today is focused on the electrification of vehicles.”

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