“Drumbeat of jobs:” Biden hails Tritium plans to build US manufacturing plant

Australian fast-charging company Tritium has been labeled a key part of the “drumbeat” that will lead to a resurgence in manufacturing and jobs in the US by president Joe Biden after it announced it will build a new manufacturing facility in Tennessee.

The Brisbane-based electric vehicle fast-charging solution developer and maker has pivoted to the US in recent months as the electric vehicle market in Australia continues to languish in a policy vacuum.

Jane Hunter, CEO of the Trevor St Baker-backed company – one of two Australian companies backed by the energy magnate to list on the Nasdaq in recent weeks – stood on stage with Biden during a speech on Tuesday (US time) in which the president underlined the US government’s commitment to transitioning its fleet to 100% electric vehicles.

Biden reportedly spoke of “an American manufacturing comeback,” noting that Tritium’s chargers will “use American parts, American iron, American steel,” that will be installed by union workers, according to Reuters.

He later tweeted saying that, “Today’s announcement by Tritium is part of the drumbeat of a jobs resurgence unlike anything we’ve seen before.”

Hunter stood alongside Biden and said that the US government’s commitment to boosting infrastructure has “contributed to enormous demand” for Tritium products in the United States, the news agency said.

She added, this “directly led us to pivot and change our global manufacturing strategy.”

Calls to revive Australian manufacturing

The announcement comes as calls for a revival of manufacturing in Australia underpinned by electric vehicles have been highlighted by a recent report from the Australia Institute.

The report, which was released on Monday, says that Australia is uniquely positioned to create a strong electric vehicle and battery manufacturing industry because it is rich in both raw materials and rare earths, as well as a skilled population with a rich history of manufacturing, and huge potential for renewably-sourced energy.

But it would seem that there is more certainty in the US for Australian-based manufacturers.

Another Australian electric vehicle maker, SEA Electric, which makes electric trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles using a proprietary patented drivetrain, also has its sights set on the US market and in January announced it has appointed ex-Ford executive Phillip Tighe as CFO to help head up its international operations.

But it is also supportive of the calls for a revival of manufacturing in Australia. In a statement on Tuesday, SEA Electric president for APAC Bill Gillespie said that “there remains a sophisticated skills base locally,” and that ” companies need to see a pathway from governments to be assured that they are investing in a sustainable emission technology for their fleets.”

“With around 20,000 diesel light and medium-duty trucks currently sold annually, Australia’s net-zero emissions goal by 2050 will not be met unless all governments take action to support the purchase of electric trucks,” he said.

“We back a framework from the various governments to incentive Australian companies like SEA Electric to invest in what we know is a bright future.”