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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Establishes Mesa, Arizona, Assembly Plant

03/17/2021
ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp., a designer and manufacturer of electric vehicles, plans to locate its U.S. based assembly facility and engineering technical center in Mesa, Arizona. The project is expected to create up to 500 new jobs.

The proposed facility will support ElectraMeccanica’s strategic plan to meet anticipated demand for their flagship SOLO EV. When fully operational the plant will be capable of producing up to 20,000 SOLOs per year. Altogether it will feature both a light vehicle assembly plant along with a state-of-the-art engineering technical center, including multiple labs to support comprehensive research facilities as well as vehicle chassis, battery pack and power electronics testing workshops.

“I want to thank Governor Ducey, his team, the state of Arizona and everyone who’s been involved in this process for helping to bring ElectraMeccanica’s U.S. operations to life,” said Company CEO Paul Rivera. “This decision is monumental for our business and will be transformative for our host city and state. When fully operational, we anticipate creating hundreds of new jobs for the local economy. We believe Mesa’s population size and density provides a great talent pool as we look forward to contributing to the growing high-tech environment.”

ElectraMeccanica also expects this new facility to generate second order effects that will positively impact the local and state economies. In addition to strong consumer interest in the SOLO EV, the Company has seen growing interest in commercial fleet and utility applications, officials noted. Beyond working to address commuting and traffic congestion challenges in the region, the Company intends to work with local municipalities to initiate a future pilot SOLO share ecosystem in the Mesa and the greater Phoenix region. Plans for this program will be forthcoming.

"We couldn't be more excited to welcome ElectraMeccanica to Arizona as the latest electric vehicle innovator to choose our state," said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “No other state in the country provides a better environment for ElectraMeccanica to scale its leading-edge technology, and we look forward to continuing to be a partner in the company’s long-term success.”

“ElectraMeccanica’s decision to make a significant foreign direct investment and anchor its North American operation in Greater Phoenix showcases the region’s ability to meet the needs of the high-tech industry,” said Chris Camacho, President & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.

The SOLO is a three-wheeled, all-electric, vehicle for the urban environment. Engineered for a single occupant, it offers a unique driving experience for the environmentally conscious consumer while offering a range of 100 miles and a top speed of 80 mph.

Tom Stringer, Leader for the National Site Selection & Business Incentives Practice, BDO USA, added, "This has been an extraordinary economic development project that proves Arizona's strategic high-tech investments are bringing jobs and major capital investments from cutting-edge companies that directly benefit Arizona taxpayers. This project will mean so much to the EV and shared mobility community.”

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