The Joint Study Committee on the Electrification of Transportation held its first meeting Wednesday and began looking at ways the state can best invest in electric vehicle infrastructure. The study committee was established by Senate Resolution 463 during the 2022 session of the Georgia General Assembly.
“The work of this committee will be critical,” said Sen. Steve Gooch (R–Dahlonega), co-chair of the committee. “Our work is important, and it’s very important that we get it right. With the market for electric vehicles constantly expanding, we must ensure Georgia has the proper infrastructure in place to adequately support electric vehicle manufacturers, as well as owners. Though we are already a national leader in transportation and logistics, it is vital that we continue to invest in additional resources, such as a robust public charging station plan, to continue to remain economically competitive.”
Gooch is chairing the committee with Rep. Rick Jasperse (R-Jasper).
“With companies like Rivian, Hyundai, SK Batteries and others making this state home, Georgia is already making great strides in this market,” said Pat Wilson, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Economic Development. “And it’s apparent that Georgia will soon be the fastest growing EV state in the country. Thanks to Governors Nathan Deal and Brian Kemp for providing the direction and giving us the support we need, Georgia has the opportunity to be at the forefront and lead the way for the rest of the country.”
Wilson was one of several stakeholders addressing the committee. Others included Jannine Miller, Director of Planning, Georgia Department of Transportation and Tricia Pridemore, Chair of the Georgia Public Service Commission. The PSC will provide oversight for the EV industry in Georgia regarding regulatory surrounding Electric Vehicles.
When asked about Hyundai’s plans to transition to EV’s, Wilson said Georgia can learn a lot from watching what takes place at their Montgomery plant. “They have just announced that they will begin transitioning to production of the GB7 electric vehicles on the same line as they build their combustion engine vehicles. They have plans to slowly transition into a model of production that includes both.”
Wilson also said the state is working closely with local high schools to begin developing a workforce to support the EV industry.
“We are encouraging these companies to interact with the schools and the communities they are in,” Wilson added.
Miller with the DOT spoke on the state’s plans for EV stations along the state’s corridors. “We feel like we are ahead of the curve,” she said.
“In order to become the technology capitol of the East Coast, Georgia must continue to find innovative ways to stay on the cutting edge of high-tech developments,” said Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan during an earlier interview. “As electronic vehicles become more popular, we must capitalize on any legislative or budgetary opportunities available to accelerate the growth of this industry statewide. Through this committee’s work to establish a strategic long-term plan for electric vehicles, I am confident Georgia will be well-positioned to be a leader in this field for years to come.”
The committee will hold a series of meetings across the state over the coming months.
