Greenville Leader

Electric Vehicle (EV) technology solutions manufacturer Proterra is expanding its South Carolina operations with a new EV battery system manufacturing plant in Spartanburg County.

“Today’s announcement by Proterra is further proof that South Carolina is leading the charge in the electric vehicle revolution,” South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) said in a press release from his office. “We applaud Proterra for the work they’re doing to create a more sustainable future for the transportation industry and look forward to their continued success in the Upstate.”

With its $76 million investment, Proterra, also seen as a leader in the design and manufacturing of zero-emissions electric transit vehicles, is expected to create more than 200 new jobs for the state.

“Electric vehicle technology is an opportunity to create clean energy jobs, strengthen American manufacturing and advance the U.S.’s climate leadership on a global scale,” Proterra President Gareth Joyce said, according to the press release. “Through opening our new battery system production plant, Proterra is proud to help realize these important goals while driving the transition to clean, quiet transportation with our EV technology. With our company’s history in South Carolina and the Upstate region, we are excited to build on our strong partnership with the state of South Carolina, Spartanburg County, and the City of Greer and bring EV battery system manufacturing to the region.”

With its East Coast electric bus manufacturing facility located in Greenville since 2010, operations for the new facility are expected to be online in the second half of 2022.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has already approved job development credits related to this project, including awarding Spartanburg County a $750,000 Set-Aside grant to assist with related costs.

“It’s clear that South Carolina is focused on the future,” Secretary of Commerce Harry Lightsey said, according to the press release. “We’ve worked hard for years to cultivate our reputation as a global leader in the automotive industry, and we will ensure our continued success with the speed we are gaining in the electric vehicle market. We congratulate Proterra on their new facility in Spartanburg County.”