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SHOCKING: Japanese Battery Factory Construction SHUT DOWN in South Carolina! What’s Behind the Chaos?!
In a jaw-dropping twist, a Japanese company has put the brakes on its monumental $1.6 billion battery factory in South Carolina, and the shocking reason? “Policy and market uncertainty.” Yes, you heard that right!
🚨 Crisis Looms for EV Manufacturing! 🚨
Automotive Energy Supply Corp. (AESC) just dropped a bombshell, throwing the future of electric BMWs into TOTAL DISARRAY. South Carolina’s Republican governor is sounding the alarm, revealing that looming federal tax break losses for electric vehicle buyers and business incentives could be the death knell for this mega-project. On top of that, tariff uncertainties from Trump’s administration are sending shockwaves through the industry!
Governor Henry McMaster stated, “What we’re doing is urging caution — let things play out because all of these changes are taking place.” SERIOUSLY?!
Construction Ground to a Halt!
Just last Thursday, AESC announced the suspension of its Florence facility, with their official statement reading, “Due to policy and market uncertainty, we are pausing construction at our South Carolina facility at this time.” The company might have hit “pause,” but they vow to hit “play” again—eventually! They still commit to hiring a whopping 1,600 workers and investing that jaw-dropping $1.6 billion, despite already shelling out $1 billion.
But wait, there’s more! AESC is no stranger to big investment plays! With facilities worldwide, from China to Germany, the pressure is on in the U.S., where they have ongoing operations in Tennessee and Kentucky.
BMW’s Plans UNCHANGED?
This construction setback has BMW scrambling but resisting a freak-out. They’re pushing ahead with plans for their battery assembly site in Greer, forecasting that nothing will derail their grand opening in 2026—at least not yet!
But hold the phone! Earlier this year, AESC REDUCED their ambitious plans, scrapping the idea of a second factory after claims that their first could meet BMW’s demands. Naturally, that led South Carolina officials to withdraw a whopping $111 million in proposed support.
$135 Million Still Up for Grabs!
Despite the ongoing drama, the state isn’t pulling the plug just yet. AESC is still in line for $135 million in grants from the South Carolina Department of Commerce—these funds are still ON the table, with no signs of recovery efforts being pulled.
🚗 EV Race Heats Up! 🚗
Meanwhile, South Carolina is doubling down on electric vehicles, with Volkswagen-owned Scout Motors throwing $2 billion into the ring and promising to hire 4,000 for their thrilling electric SUV plant debuting in 2027! But is the state betting too much on foreign manufacturers like BMW, Michelin, and Samsung? The unease over Trump’s tariff strategy is palpable—could it derail these partnerships?
Governor McMaster is still trying to placate the restless masses, assuring everyone that it’s all going to work out. “I think the goal of the president and the administration is to have robust economic growth and prosperity,” he reassured reporters. But can we really count on that with so many variables at play?
This electric nightmare is anything but over, so buckle up! Stay tuned for more jaw-dropping updates! ⚡️
photo credit: fortune.com
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