Scout Motors, a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, announced plans to build a $2 billion electric vehicle (EV) assembly plant in Blythewood, South Carolina. The new manufacturing plant will have a production capacity of over 200,000 electric sport utility vehicles annually and is set to start production by the end of 2026. The announcement has generated excitement in the automotive industry, as it represents a significant investment in the U.S. EV market and job creation in South Carolina.
Scout Motors’ decision to build its first manufacturing plant in Blythewood comes as no surprise, given that BMW and Mercedes-Benz have already invested heavily in the region. BMW had announced its plans to invest $1.7 billion to build electric vehicles in South Carolina in October 2022, and Mercedes-Benz is set to open a $500 million battery factory in North Charleston later this year. South Carolina is an attractive location for EV manufacturers due to its favorable business environment, skilled workforce, and proximity to major transportation networks.
The new assembly plant in Blythewood will employ over 1,000 workers and is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy. The plant will be built on a 1,600-acre site next to I-77, providing easy access to major highways and rail networks. The facility will also feature state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and technology, including advanced robotics and artificial intelligence systems, to ensure the highest levels of quality and efficiency.
Scout Motors’ investment in South Carolina is part of Volkswagen’s broader strategy to become a major player in the global EV market. The German automaker has set a goal of selling one million EVs per year by 2025, and its partnership with Scout Motors is a key part of this strategy. Volkswagen has already made significant investments in EV production in Europe and China, and its partnership with Scout Motors represents a major commitment to the U.S. market.
The new assembly plant in Blythewood will also help to boost the U.S. EV market, which has been growing rapidly in recent years. Electric vehicle sales in the U.S. reached a record high in 2022, with over 550,000 EVs sold, up 64% from the previous year. However, EVs still represent a relatively small percentage of total vehicle sales in the U.S., and more investment is needed to accelerate the transition to electric mobility. Scout Motors’ investment in Blythewood is a significant step in this direction.
Scout Motors is not the only automaker investing in South Carolina’s EV industry. BMW announced in October 2022 that it plans to invest $1.7 billion in its Spartanburg plant to build EVs. This investment is part of BMW’s larger goal to have at least half of its global sales come from EVs by 2030.
Honda, on the other hand, recently announced that it is abandoning its Clarity hydrogen-powered car in the U.S. market. Instead, the company is focusing on EVs and plans to launch several new models in the coming years.
