The Ripple Effect of Reversing Transportation Electrification on U.S. Innovation, Jobs, & Global Leadership.
By Margaret-Ann Leavitt, CMO at National Car Charging.
Global electric car sales continued to flourish in 2024.
With new leadership stepping into the White House, the renewable energy sector including EV automakers are collectively holding their breath. Will the incoming administration slam the brakes on the progress of the Biden-Harris era, leaving the booming EV industry stuck in neutral? However, what nobody is talking about is the bigger picture—the fight against climate change, of course, but also the bigger implications for the U.S. economy, and America’s reputation as an innovation powerhouse. These aren’t just hypothetical concerns; they’re the stark realities of a nation at a critical juncture—where the EV revolution stands as the pivotal force shaping our future.
Let’s be clear: the electric vehicle (EV) revolution isn’t just about cars. It’s about driving the future of technology, energy, and global influence. While the rest of the world continues to accelerate towards sustainable transportation, the United States finds itself at a critical crossroads. Halting or slowing EV adoption won’t just ding the U.S. automotive industry; it’ll crash through every sector tied to innovation, threatening America’s hard-won status as a global leader and fully passing the torch to China and others.
The electric automotive industry is dominated by Chinese automaker BYD.
Losing Ground in Global Competitiveness.
While the U.S. debates its next move, countries like China and many in Europe are leaving us in their dust, pouring billions into EV research, production, and infrastructure.
In 2023, China alone accounted for nearly 60% of global EV sales, solidifying its dominance in the sector. If the U.S. doesn’t put the pedal to the metal and drive forward EV adoption, we risk losing more than just bragging rights.
EV innovation drives advancements (and investment) in critical areas like battery technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and renewable energy. Falling behind in these sectors isn’t just embarrassing—it’s a threat to our economic future.
Meanwhile, international automakers are dominating global EV markets, leaving U.S. companies fighting to stay relevant. The message is crystal clear: lead, follow, or be left in the rearview mirror.
Economic and Job Market Consequences.
The EV industry has been an economic powerhouse, creating over 338,000 clean energy jobs since 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. From battery factories to EV assembly plants, many of these jobs have sprouted in red states like Georgia, Texas, and Kentucky, revitalizing local economies.
Examples include:
From battery manufacturing facilities to EV assembly plants, a significant number of these jobs have emerged in traditionally red states such as Georgia, Texas, and Kentucky, breathing new life into local economies and driving economic growth.
But a slowdown in EV adoption and clean energy investment could put this progress at risk.
Fewer EVs on the road mean fewer factories, fewer supply chains, and fewer jobs. Reduced demand could also scare off much-needed investment in research and development, stifling innovation not just in EVs but across all tech sectors - particularly in red leaning states.
Let’s be honest: tossing away the benefits of the largest renewable manufacturing boom in U.S. history isn’t just bad economics—it’s downright reckless.
Delayed Sustainability Goals.
While the incoming administration often shifts its stance on climate change and its urgency, the reality is clear: the vast majority of Americans, across party lines, recognize that the nation is already facing its effects—or will be within the decade.
Transportation is the single largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., responsible for 27% of the total according to the EPA. EVs are essential and the fastest path to eliminating these emissions and transitioning to a cleaner, greener energy future. Yet, slowing EV adoption would:
Keep us reliant on dwindling fossil fuel reserves, delaying the critical transition to renewable energy (a risky gamble given that the U.S. has less than 20 years of proven oil reserves left at current consumption rates).
Jeopardize U.S. energy independence and by extension, national security by increasing reliance on volatile and unpredictable foreign oil markets.
Increase the financial strain on FEMA, as climate-related weather disasters—intensified by continued emissions—become more frequent and severe, leading to billions in disaster recovery costs annually.
In short, it’s like shooting ourselves in the foot while other countries sprint ahead. The longer we delay, the more we weaken our ability to combat climate change and secure a sustainable future.
Talent and Workforce Challenges.
A recent Bain & Company article highlighted a pressing issue: nearly three-quarters of U.S. engineering and R&D-focused companies are struggling with talent shortages. For young engineering professionals, “meaningful and interesting work” ranks just behind compensation as their top priority—a clear signal that innovation is as much about inspiration as it is about paychecks.
Yet, the sluggish growth of the EV and renewables industry threatens to erode America’s competitive edge. Falling behind could spark a troubling brain drain, as top engineers, scientists, and innovators flock to countries like China and Germany—nations making bold investments in green energy and EV technologies. These countries don’t just offer cutting-edge projects; they deliver the kind of meaningful, high-impact work that resonates deeply with the next generation of talent.
At the same time, the lack of robust investment risks widening a critical skills gap in the U.S. workforce. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the global shift to clean energy could create over 42 million new jobs in renewable energy and energy efficiency by 2050. Without aggressive EV adoption and growth, American workers risk being sidelined, underprepared for next-generation industries, while other nations seize the lion’s share of these transformative opportunities. The EV race isn’t just about cars—it’s also about talent, jobs, and the future of American leadership.
And these challenges are not confined to the EV industry. They ripple across sectors, weakening U.S. leadership in technology, manufacturing, and clean energy innovation. Falling behind doesn’t just mean losing jobs—it means losing the ability to direct and shape the future of global industries.
Slower Progress in Adjacent Technologies.
Electrification is also driving advancements in AI, autonomous driving, and smart infrastructure. Slowing EV adoption would have a domino effect and risk stalling these transformative technologies, leaving the U.S. stuck in neutral while global competitors race ahead.
Here’s the breakdown:
AI & Autonomous Vehicles: EVs are the proving ground for AI-driven technologies like predictive maintenance and autonomous driving. Slower adoption means fewer vehicles to train AI, delaying smarter, safer tech and risking U.S. leadership in a market projected to grow 23.2% annually by 2030, with China poised to take the lead.
Infrastructure Challenges: EVs drive critical investments in charging networks, smart grids, and renewable energy integration. The U.S. needs 500,000 public chargers by 2030, but reduced EV uptake risks stalling clean energy advancements and leaving goals unmet.
Falling Behind on Innovation: EVs fuel breakthroughs in batteries, materials science, and clean tech. Losing momentum risks ceding the edge to global competitors like the EU and China, which are racing ahead with cohesive EV ecosystems.
Lagging in these areas would leave the U.S. trailing in the fast-evolving tech landscape—hardly a position of strength for any country.
A Decline in Global Perception.
According to the highly regarded Pew Research Center, global perceptions of the U.S. remain largely favorable; however, confidence in Biden significantly outpaces that of President-elect Trump, particularly among key allies.
America's reputation as a trailblazer in innovation isn’t just a badge of honor—it’s a magnet for talent, investment, and influence. But slowing EV adoption could dim that shine. The "Tech Cold War" isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a high-stakes global race, and falling behind in EV advancements—a cornerstone of future industries—sends a clear message: we’re not ready to lead the future.
The ripple effects could be seismic. Investors might shift focus to nations boldly championing EV and tech innovation, like China and the EU, funneling capital away from U.S. tech ecosystems. This wouldn’t just dent our perception—it could erode progress, ceding ground in critical fields like AI, clean energy, and smart infrastructure.
The result? A double hit to perception and progress that could undermine our standing on the global stage.
The Risk is Too High: Accelerate or Be Left Behind.
Green tech is the ignition point for the future of technology, energy, global influence, and economic resilience. Slowing EV adoption doesn’t just stall progress; it risks catastrophic losses in economic growth, environmental sustainability, and the competitiveness of the U.S. auto industry and its vast network of ancillary sectors.
America’s auto industry—historically a symbol of innovation and U.S. economic power—stands at a crossroads. Continuing to embrace EVs would create millions of jobs in manufacturing, battery technology, renewable energy, and smart infrastructure. On the flip side, dragging our feet could decimate an industry responsible for 3% of U.S. GDP and disrupt supply chains supporting everything from steel production to software development. It would also be devastating to small towns across the country, but specifically in the south and in mostly red states where more than 60% of Biden-Harris investments have been made.
“Continuing to embrace EVs would create millions of jobs in manufacturing, battery technology, renewable energy, and smart infrastructure. On the flip side, dragging our feet could decimate an industry responsible for 3% of U.S. GDP and disrupt supply chains supporting everything from steel production to software development.”
On the climate front, the stakes couldn’t be higher. EV adoption is essential to slashing transportation emissions, which contribute nearly 30% of U.S. greenhouse gases—the largest single source. Falling short here jeopardizes not only our planet’s future but also the health, well-being, and prosperity of our citizens - and honestly, those around the world. Worse still, it undermines America’s credibility as a global leader in climate action, leaving us sidelined in the race for a sustainable, cleaner world.
The future is moving full speed ahead, and so are our global competitors. We must accelerate our progress, building on the strong groundwork established by the Biden-Harris administration, or risk being sidelined as the economic and environmental revolution passes us by.
Who will Win the Tech Cold War?
The future isn’t idling, and neither are our competitors. The road ahead is clear: we must continue to press the accelerator, building on the strong foundation laid by the Biden-Harris administration, or risk watching an economic and environmental revolution leave America in the dust. The choice is ours—but the clock is ticking. The question isn’t just what will the future hold—it’s will we lead it or be left behind?
About Margaret-Ann Leavitt.
Margaret-Ann is the driving force behind marketing and communications for National Car Charging and Aloha Charge, blending passion with a proven track record of success. With experience at top brands like Mattel, FCB Global, and Disney, she’s a dynamic leader known for her strategic vision and ability to fuel growth. Margaret-Ann spearheaded national campaigns that delivered double-digit growth at Home Instead Senior Care, pushing the company past the billion-dollar mark, and she’s been instrumental in building the brand foundation for Silvernest, a 500 Startups Global alum. A long-time sustainability advocate and EV enthusiast, Margaret-Ann is deeply committed to making a positive impact both professionally and personally. She holds a B.A. in Economics from Colgate University and an M.F.A. in Film Production from the University of Miami. Outside of work, she serves as the board chair of GALS Denver, Colorado’s only all-girls public school, and is a founding member of Denver’s Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk. Originally from the East Coast, she now calls Denver home, where she lives with her family and proudly drives fossil fuel-free.
About National Car Charging.
National Car Charging(NCC) and its subsidiary Aloha Charge strive to make the transition to electric vehicles easy by offering the most reliable EV charging products and services at reasonable prices. Born in Colorado in 2011, today NCC is the nation's most experienced independent and one of the largest EV charging resellers, installers and O&M providers nationwide managing 11,000+ ports across 48 states, 1,100 clients and dozens of business channels. More information about NCC is available on NCC’s About page.