Governor Tate Reeves stated that Mississippians have been at the forefront for nearly two decades of the global automotive industry. Tate Reeves said. “The announcement by Nissan Canton that some production will shift to electric vehicles (EVs) further positions Mississippi as an economic leader.” However, it is less likely that Mississippians will drive those cars than drivers in the rest the country. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Department of Energy, Mississippi has the lowest per capita number of electric vehicles registered. Businesses and policymakers across the U.S. are working together to revive the electric car industry in the hope of reducing carbon emissions. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the transportation sector is responsible for 30% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. Only 3 out of 10,000 Mississippians own an electric car, which is one of the few states that does not require vehicle emissions testing. In 2020, the nation had 1.8 million EVs, which is 55 per 10,000 people. It ranks second in the nation for electric charging ports per person, behind only Louisiana. This will change with the arrival of new federal dollars. The Infrastructure Bill will provide $50 million for Mississippi to pay for charging stations and the establishment of corridors throughout the state for electric car drivers. According to the spokesperson for the Mississippi Department of Transportation the state has until August in order to submit a spending program before it can be granted the money. Although electric cars are becoming cheaper, they still cost about $10,000 more than an average car. For EV purchases, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to $7,000. Thirty-one States offer incentives such as a rebate or tax credit for buying an electric vehicle. Although Mississippi does not have such a program but Entergy MS, the largest state power company, offers a $250 rebate to customers who purchase a charger that costs approximately $2,000. The state has not done much other than offering a $250 rebate for customers who purchase a charger, which costs about $2,000. The Legislature passed a bill in 2018 that required electric car owners to pay $150 annually and $75 for hybrid owners. However, the fees have increased with inflation. Although some advocates and owners of electric cars laughed at the law’s passage, the majority of the country follows a similar policy. The bill was written by Rep. Charles Busby (R-Pascagoula), who argued that the fees were fair as the state relies upon gas taxes to pay for roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. Busby, who heads the House Transportation Committee, stated that if they are going to use those roads and bridges they must make a contribution. Busby said that he doesn’t believe there is a need to offer customers incentives for purchasing EVs and that it should be up to the market to decide what cars are bought. Busby stated, “Obviously, if we move towards electric cars I want that support in the state of Mississippi.” So I’m for it, but I don’t believe we should be promoting one over another. It must compete on the free marketplace by itself.” Other failed attempts to encourage EVs within the state include a bill that would have provided up to $30,000,000 in tax credits to businesses that install charging stations. There were also several attempts to repeal the 2018 annual fees. A spokesperson for Mississippi Today said that in addition to the $500m Nissan has invested in the operation, the Mississippi Development Authority will also spend $50 million on grants. The money will be used to improve the plant, purchase new equipment and train 2,000 workers. This story was contributed by Sara DiNatale, Mississippi Today reporter.