Lion Electric and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg Join Roundtable Focusing on Workforce Development and Manufacturing Electric Vehicles

“The Federal Government’s Infrastructure and Jobs Act and the $5 billion it allocates to fund the deployment of zero-emission and clean school buses over the next five years further reinforces its commitment to the electric vehicle sector.”

Lion Electric Company manufacturer of all-electric medium and heavy-duty vehicles, today joined U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11), workforce experts, policymakers and industry stakeholders to discuss new opportunities for investments in electric vehicles and clean manufacturing.

Nate Baguio, Senior Vice President of Commercial Development at Lion Electric, provided an overview of how the Company has been a leader in manufacturing zero-emission school buses and all electric medium and heavy-duty trucks in North America. The roundtable addressed how partnerships with the federal government, states, counties, cities as well as local and nonprofit organizations deliver economic opportunities for green manufacturing. They also address the need for clean energy and can help bridge the demand for additional heavy-duty electric vehicles and charging infrastructure across the nation.

“We are honored to have U.S. Secretary of Transportation Buttigieg, an advocate for electric vehicles, recognize how building a robust electrification ecosystem and supply chain is integral for industry stability and growth,” said Nate Baguio. “The Federal Government’s Infrastructure and Jobs Act and the $5 billion it allocates to fund the deployment of zero-emission and clean school buses over the next five years further reinforces its commitment to the electric vehicle sector.”

The current administration has been supportive of expanding charging infrastructure across urban, suburban and rural communities in the United States. Furthermore, it has been vocal about its focus to offer funding to advance the adoption of electric vehicles. One of their priorities is to build a network of charging stations along the nation’s highways that will help create more jobs in the EV sector and a healthier environment.

The roundtable conversation also featured remarks about the future of the American clean manufacturing sector from Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11); Doug Pryor, CEO of Will County Economic Development; Craig Knight, CEO of Hyzon Motors; Caroline Portlock, Director with the Workforce Center of Will County; Kathy Gilmore, President of Valley Industrial; Dain Meza-Gotto, Director of Joliet Junior College Workforce Education; Terrie Simmons, President of Illinois Minority Business Development Center; John Gedney, Legislative Representative, United Auto Workers Region 4; Bob O’Dekirk, Mayor of Joliet and representatives from Pace Suburban Bus.

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