The Electrification Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to EV growth, held a press conference where officials said Indiana’s EV industry has attracted federal funding of $9.4 billion and $14 billion in investments. Photo by CHUTTERSNAP, Unsplash.

News Release

SOUTH BEND — Indiana is poised to emerge as a leader in the nation’s shift to electric vehicles, with investments in the technology across the state’s different industries.

The Electrification Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to EV growth, held a press conference where officials said Indiana’s EV industry has attracted federal funding of $9.4 billion and $14 billion in investments. The endowments will assist over 8,400 Hoosier jobs. In addition, the state’s EV market share reportedly hit 4.9% in the most recent sales quarter, a metric owed to the 33,000 battery-powered vehicles sold.

One of the most notable recent investments is the arrival of Slate Auto, an EV startup backed by Jeff Bezos set to build customizable electric pickups at the former R.R. Donnelley and Sons printing plant.

Among the Indiana cities embracing the transition is South Bend. The city has installed public charging stations, expanded its municipal EV fleet, and made charging free to encourage adoption. Officials said these moves are aimed at improving air quality, public health and long-term energy independence.

The Washington, D.C.-based Electrification Coalition projected that Indiana drivers could save about $907 a year in fuel costs by switching to electric, while the state strengthens its domestic supply chain for critical minerals and reduces dependence on imported oil. At current sales figures, EV use saves Indiana 13 million gallons of gasoline in total per year.

Across the state, automakers and suppliers are heavily investing in EV production and technology. Cummins, Inc. is expanding in Columbus, EnPower is building batteries in Indianapolis, and Kokomo has become a hub for both SDI to build new ones. Additional projects in Marion, New Carlisle and Warsaw are advancing lithium recycling, battery components and assembly.

Public safety agencies are also adopting EVs. The Walkerton Police Department recently added a 2024 Chevy Blazer EV to its fleet, while New Carlisle’s fire department is using a Silverado EV in its cost-saving campaign.

South Bend schools have deployed two electric buses that recharge between morning and afternoon runs, which drivers say are quieter and smoother than traditional diesel models.

Officials said that the momentum of electrification could determine whether Indiana secures long-term manufacturing jobs and a central role in the clean transportation supply chain.