SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association today hosted the first Electric Vehicle Showcase Day at the Governor’s Mansion, where electric vehicle makers and suppliers gathered to exhibit their cutting-edge products and celebrate recent advancements in this exciting sector.
Participants included Lion Electric Company; Rivian; Ford Motor Company; General Motors; EVBox; BorgWarner; UPS; bp pulse; Amazon; Ameren; Sysco Corporation; EV Energy; Heartland Community College; University of Illinois System; City of Springfield; Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce; TCCI Manufacturing and Transfr. A variety of products were on display, including electric trucks, buses and passenger vehicles, as well as charging stations and a virtual reality experience to give attendees a glimpse of what it would be like to work on today’s modern, high-tech manufacturing floors.
“We’re proud to partner with Governor Pritzker and lawmakers to showcase our state’s dynamic and diverse electric vehicle ecosystem. Illinois has a long, proud history of automotive manufacturing and these industry leaders are helping to usher in a greener and more sustainable future,” said Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “With our stellar education institutions, national laboratories, top-notch transportation sector and unparalleled manufacturing strength, it’s no wonder Illinois is leading the electric vehicle revolution.”
Manufacturers have collaborated with Gov. JB Pritzker’s Administration to grow the state’s electric vehicle ecosystem, positioning Illinois as a leader in electric vehicle and battery production. This includes providing incentives to encourage investment in electric vehicle plants and bolster production of electric vehicle parts, as well as keep and add good-paying manufacturing jobs. To maintain the state’s position as a leader in the electric vehicle industry, the IMA has also worked with the state to cultivate strong workforce development programs to provide training and skills necessary for employees to thrive.
“Illinois continues to establish itself as a standout location for the electric vehicle market—from workforce and infrastructure to incentives and innovation,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m proud to partner with the Illinois Manufacturer’s Association on the first-ever EV Showcase Day; a perfect opportunity to highlight our collective efforts towards a thriving EV industry across the state. With every investment, we’re moving closer to our climate goals, supporting expanding companies, and creating good-paying jobs for the people of Illinois.”
About the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA)
The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association is the only statewide association dedicated exclusively to advocating, promoting and strengthening the manufacturing sector in Illinois. The IMA is the oldest and largest state manufacturing trade association in the United States, representing nearly 4,000 companies and facilities. For more information, please visit http://ima-net.org/