Scout Motors makes rapid progress on $1.97 billion EV production centre in Columbia, South Carolina

  • Scout Motors Inc. is constructing a $1.97 billion production centre near Columbia, South Carolina, creating 4,000+ permanent jobs.
  • The facility will include a body shop, paint shop, and final assembly buildings, with infrastructure upgrades like a new highway interchange and rail connection.
  • Construction progress includes completed site preparation, with concrete foundations laid and the first steel structures erected, aiming for vehicle production by late 2026.

Scout Motors is accelerating domestic US EV production by developing a $1.97 billion facility in South Carolina

Scout Motors Inc. has been busy breaking ground in South Carolina with the construction of a cutting-edge facility. The plant is dedicated to producing the next generation of electric trucks and SUVs. 

It’s located less than 20 miles north of Columbia and near major cities like Charleston, Charlotte, and Atlanta. It represents an impressive €1.84 billion ($1.97 billion) investment that promises to create over 4,000 permanent jobs. This could be huge for the developing native supply chain in the US, and the increased production needs thanks to hefty import tariffs.

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The facility will house a body shop, a paint shop, and final assembly buildings. Infrastructure enhancements are underway to support the operation. That includes the construction of a new highway interchange to manage factory-specific traffic and minimise local disruptions. Additionally, a rail connection is being installed to streamline and help decarbonise shipping once production begins.

Preparation of the 1,100-acre site has been extensive. 

Over 4 million cubic yards of dirt have been moved to create a stable foundation. The construction of the physical buildings commenced a few weeks ago, with concrete foundations and footings already poured. On May 15th, a major milestone was reached with the erection of the first vertical steel structures. Main support structures are set to rise soon, with roof installations expected by autumn 2024.

Vehicle production at this facility is set to begin by the end of 2026, producing 200,000 vehicles annually at peak capacity. This ambitious project is set to revolutionise the region, combining advanced manufacturing technology with a strong community presence.

Scout Motors is remaining transparent throughout the production of this facility. When complete, it could mean a massive surge in domestic US EV output, an essential step for the nation’s future emobility prospects. These mega-facilities are cropping up across the US, and the world, as the requirement for enhanced output escalates with pace. 

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