Indiana’s growing role as a national hub for electric vehicle (EV) innovation and manufacturing took center stage at the “Powering Prosperity” event held Thursday at the Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Center in South Bend. Organized by the Electrification Coalition, the gathering highlighted how EV investments are reshaping the state’s economy and creating thousands of jobs.
With more than $14 billion in EV manufacturing projects announced and 8,800 new jobs generated, speakers emphasized Indiana’s rapid transformation into a leader in America’s clean transportation future.
“Across Indiana, more than $14 billion in EV manufacturing has already been announced, creating 8,800 new jobs for Hoosiers,” said David Madden, Midwest Campaigns Lead at the Electrification Coalition. “These are not just numbers on a page. They represent families with steady paychecks, small businesses with new customers, and communities with a renewed sense of economic vitality. Yet we must be clear, this transformation is not guaranteed.”
The event also showcased how EV adoption is already making a difference for local institutions. Charles Kulp, Assistant Chief of Police in Walkerton, described how his department replaced a traditional Dodge Charger with an EV patrol car through a state-managed grant program, saving about $2,500 annually in fuel costs.
Similarly, Joshua Schweizer, Fire Chief of New Carlisle, highlighted the department’s decision to purchase a Chevrolet Silverado EV. “Ending last year, an opportunity came. We saw the tax credit, the 2025 Silverado EV was released, and it really fit what we need. So we seized the moment, we purchased the EV, and there’s really no looking back,” he said.
On the municipal front, Alex Bazan, Director of Sustainability for the City of South Bend, noted the city’s investment in EV charging infrastructure. “We currently have seven city-owned and operated charging station locations that are publicly accessible,” Bazan said, adding that the city continues to expand EV access across the community.
With EV manufacturing, battery production, and supply chain development accelerating across the state, Indiana is positioning itself as the epicenter of America’s EV economy—driving local job growth, reducing dependence on oil, and strengthening national security.
The event was part of the Freedom to Drive summer series, a nationwide initiative showcasing how EV adoption is fueling jobs and economic development in communities across the United States.
