Despite the fact that President Trump says electric vehicles run for only 2 hours per charge, South Carolina is charting its own, bold step forward in becoming America’s electric vehicle’s capital. Just look at where the Governor - Trump’s top political ally in The Palmetto State - was last week: Thursday, February 2 at 11:00 AM: Gov. McMaster will attend the groundbreaking at Kontrolmatik Pomega, Colleton Industrial Campus, Exit 61 on I-95 and McLeod Road, Walterboro, S.C.
And, look at where the Governor was Jan. 28 - standing beside President Trump as one of his South Carolina campaign for re-election leaders during a rally INSIDE the South Carolina State House (also formerly known as the people’s house). President Trump will not receive a bill for leasing the State House instead of an arena, of course - he IS The President, after all.
All politics aside, which is going to be tough now that former SC Governor Nikki Haley’s people have indicated SHE is in the race for president, too, the Conservatives for Clean Energy have said this in their January 2023 Clean Energy Update:
“Conservatives for Clean Energy - South Carolina (CCE-SC) launched in March 2019 to educate the public on the benefits of clean and renewable energy sources in South Carolina. Below is our monthly newsletter, which aims to keep you up-to-date on the latest clean energy news here in the Palmetto State. For more information on CCE-SC, visit our website at CleanEnergyConservatives.com.
EVs and batteries propel SC’s industrial recruitment to record $10.27B in ’22
“A focus on electric vehicles and the batteries that power them helped the S.C. Department of Commerce recruit 120 new businesses and expand existing manufacturing operations, representing investments topping $10.27 billion in 2022 — a record year for economic development in the state.
“The new deals promise to create 14,083 jobs over time, with most of the activity centered around plants in the Charleston region and the Upstate.
•Battery recycler Redwood Materials accounted for one-third of the promised investments, with the Nevada-based company announcing plans last month to build a $3.5 billion factory in Berkeley County — the largest project ever announced in the Palmetto State based on capital investment. Redwood will reclaim minerals from lithium-ion batteries so they can be used in new battery packs for electric vehicles.
•BMW Manufacturing announced a $1.7 billion expansion of its Spartanburg County plant to ramp up production of its battery powered X-model SUVs. The money also will go toward constructing a battery assembly facility in Woodruff.
•Bosch in October announced a $260 million plan to build motors for electric vehicles in a part of its North Charleston factory where it once produced manufactured diesel powertrain components.
•Colleton County scored its biggest-ever economic development project in December when Kontrolmatik Technologies said it would open a $279 million factory near Walterboro to make lithium-ion batteries for the nation’s power grids. The site will produce 3 gigawatt hours of capacity — enough to power roughly 900,000 homes — and employ 575 people.”
Meanwhile Gov. McMaster has some of the best and brightest minds in the State working on the solution to a dilemma: How do we make more electric charging stations statewide? May we make a modest proposal?
A giant charging stations complex in The Split.
For the uninitiated, that’s where I-385 splits off I-26 just above The Blue Ocean outside of Clinton. The State already has a rest area near there, so it should be easy to acquire adjacent land, install a few dozen electric charging stations there, and provide convenience to the small, but growing, number of EV drivers between Columbia and Greenville/Spartanburg. Actor Kevin Bacon is promoting an EV that goes nearly fully charged in 18 minutes - install WiFi and a small cafe and reap the business. The Electric Co-ops will claim it as their territory, but the City of Clinton could be a back-up supplier.
Goodness Knows, we need the money.
Of course, EV comes with its own set of environmental concerns - battery acid and such. But President Trump hit it right on the head when he said it will be “ridiculous” that we will have to be looking all over the place for “a little plug” just to drive. Hey, look no further than The Split/Clinton, we say.
AND, Semiconductors:
Pallidus relocating corporate headquarters and manufacturing operations to York County
$443 million investment will create 405 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Pallidus, an innovative silicon carbide (SiC) wafer semiconductor manufacturer, today announced plans to relocate its corporate headquarters and manufacturing operations to York County. The company’s $443 million investment will create 405 new jobs.
Founded in 2015, Pallidus leverages its proprietary M-SiC technology to increase the quality and lower the cost to produce silicon carbide wafers used in semiconductors. The company’s next-generation technology has garnered traction in the rapidly expanding transportation, green energy and industrial power electronics markets. In addition to addressing the semiconductor shortage, Pallidus is specifically working to advance the innovative and energy efficient sectors of the economy including electric vehicles and mass transit; wind, solar and smart power transmission; and data centers and telecommunications.
Relocating its corporate headquarters from New York to Rock Hill, Pallidus’ York County facility marks its first operations in South Carolina. Located at 1786 and 1800 Overview Drive, the 300,000-square-foot facility will serve as the company’s new corporate headquarters and manufacturing plant. Pallidus’ plans include the growth of its manufacturing capacity to expand the United States’ semiconductor market.
Operations are expected to be online by the third quarter of 2023. Individuals interested in joining the Pallidus team should email resumes to the company.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.
QUOTES
“We are thrilled to be partnering with the state of South Carolina, York County and the city of Rock Hill in supporting our new high-volume semiconductor silicon carbide wafer manufacturing plant and corporate headquarters. The decision to select Rock Hill, South Carolina for our next manufacturing facility was the result of extensive research to locate to a community that aligned with our innovative and collaborative spirit, offered an exceptional quality of life for our employees and is easily supported from our research and development facility in New York.” -Pallidus Vice President Global Facilities Jerry Knowles
“The arrival of Pallidus is further proof that we have the workforce and pro-business environment in place to attract innovative and cutting-edge companies to South Carolina. This major $443 million investment and the 405 new jobs it will create will help to bolster our economy and create new opportunities for our people. We look forward to Pallidus becoming an integral part of our state’s business community for years to come.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“Innovative technology companies like Pallidus are helping to lead the way in this time of industry transformation. We appreciate Pallidus’ commitment to York County and confidence in South Carolina to be a partner for the future.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“Today, we proudly welcome Pallidus to York County. It is exciting to add this innovative manufacturer and their headquarters to York County. We applaud their commitment to invest here and add quality jobs in the community. We look forward to a successful long-standing partnership that will add value to this leading-edge technology company. Congratulations to Pallidus.” -York County Council Chairwoman Christi Cox
“For decades our community has invested in its utility systems with the belief that dependable and modernized utilities would entice investments as announced today by Pallidus. Rock Hill's foresight and commitment to attain the diamond standard recognition as a Reliable Public Power Provider has resulted in one of the most impactful economic development announcements in our history. We welcome Pallidus and the new generation of manufacturing jobs they bring to the ‘good town’ as well as the opportunity for more of our people to build wealth through high paying wages.” -City of Rock Hill Mayor John Gettys
“We welcome Pallidus and are excited to have their company relocate to York County. The state of South Carolina, along with our region, continues to be a magnet for innovative, next-generation companies like Pallidus. Success stories like these, within our targeted industries, are a testament to our streamlined, dual-state economic development capabilities.” -Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Chief Business Recruitment Officer Danny Chavez
FIVE FAST FACTS
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