Mississippi News
Nissan will build electric vehicles where they’re the least popular to own
Nissan will build new electric vehicles in Mississippi, the state where they're the least popular to own
The Japanese car manufacturer Nissan announced last month it will spend half a billion dollars to upgrade its facility and workforce at its Canton plant, with the goal of building two new all-electric models by 2025.
“For nearly two decades, Mississippians have kept our state at the forefront of the world's automotive industry,” Gov. Tate Reeves said. “The announcement that Nissan Canton is shifting some production to EVs (electric vehicles) further positions Mississippi as a leader in this crucial economic sector.”
But it's less likely Mississippians will be driving those cars compared to drivers in the rest of the country. Mississippi has, per capita, the lowest number of electric cars registered of any state, according to U.S. Census and Department of Energy data.
Policymakers and businesses around the U.S. are trying to jolt the electric car industry, with the hopes of emitting less carbon into an already warming atmosphere. The transportation sector accounts for the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions in the country — about 30%, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
In Mississippi, one of a few states that doesn't require emissions testing for vehicles, only about 3 out of every 10,000 people own an electric vehicle. For the country as a whole, there were about 1.8 million EVs registered in 2020, or about 55 per 10,000 people.
The state's charging supply is also low compared to the rest of the country, ranking second to last, ahead of only Louisiana, in electric charging ports per capita.
New federal dollars coming to the state will soon change that. Mississippi is set to receive $50 million from the Infrastructure Bill that would pay for charging stations and establishing corridors across the state for electric car drivers to use. The state has until August to submit a spending plan, according to a spokesperson from the Mississippi Department of Transportation, after which it can receive the money.
While electric cars are getting cheaper, they're still about $10,000 more than the average car. The federal government offers a tax credit worth up to $7,500 for EV purchases.
Thirty-one states offer incentives, such as a tax credit or rebate, for purchasing an EV. Mississippi doesn't have such a program, although the state's largest power company, Entergy MS, does offer a $250 rebate for customers who buy a charger, which costs about $2,000.
Other than that rebate, the state hasn't done much to encourage drivers to make the switch. In 2018, the Legislature passed a bill that charges electric car owners to pay an $150 annual fee, and $75 if they own a hybrid, although the fees have increased since with inflation.
While some electric car owners and advocates in the state scoffed at the law when it went into effect, most of the country has a similar policy.
Rep. Charles Busby, R-Pascagoula, who wrote the bill, argued that the fees are fair because the state relies on gas taxes to pay for roads and bridges.
“If they're going to travel on those roads and bridges they need to make a contribution,” said Busby, who chairs the House Transportation Committee.
Busby added that he didn't see a need yet to give customers an incentive for buying EVs, and that the market should dictate what cars people buy.
“Obviously if we transition towards electric vehicles, I want that to be supported in the state of Mississippi,” Busby said. “So I am for that, but I don't think that we ought to be in the business of promoting one over the other. It needs to compete on the free market by itself.”
Failed attempts to encourage EVs in the state include a bill last year that would have given up to $30 million in tax credits for businesses that build charging stations, as well as several attempts to repeal the 2018 annual fee.
In addition to the $500 million Nissan is investing in the operation, the Mississippi Development Authority is also spending $50 million through grants on the project, an agency spokesperson told Mississippi Today.
The money will go towards building improvements, installing new equipment, and upskilling 2,000 of the 5,000 workers at the plant.
Mississippi Today reporter Sara DiNatale contributed to this story.
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Three Northeast Mississippi players receive MHSAA Miss Softball honors
SUMMARY: The MHSAA announced the annual Miss Softball winners, with three recipients coming from Northeast Mississippi who are currently competing for a state championship. In the 3A category, Mantachie's Ramsey Montgomery won the award with impressive batting and pitching statistics. Lucy Cochran from East Union won the 2A award for the second consecutive season, showcasing exceptional pitching and hitting skills. Emma Mayer from Myrtle was recognized in the 1A category for her outstanding hitting performance this season. All three players have excelled in their respective categories and are contributing significantly to their teams' success in the playoffs.
The post Three Northeast Mississippi players receive MHSAA Miss Softball honors appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Humid next few days with storm potential at times – Home – WCBI TV
SUMMARY: An increase in humidity is expected in Columbus, Mississippi over the next couple of days, with storm chances likely on Wednesday night. Tuesday will be warm and breezy with a few showers and storms possible in the afternoon, some of which may become locally strong. Wednesday will see the potential for widespread showers and storms in the evening as a strong cold front moves through, with the possibility of severe weather. However, nicer weather is expected for the weekend with gradual clearing on Friday and drier conditions on Saturday, although isolated showers may return on Sunday into Monday.
The post Humid next few days with storm potential at times – Home – WCBI TV appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
JSU welcomes new Women’s Basketball coach
SUMMARY: Margaret Richards has been named the new head coach for the Jackson State Women's Basketball team, marking a new era for the Lady Tigers. Richards previously coached at Alabama A&M for eight years before joining Mercer's staff. She is excited for the new challenge and looks forward to meeting alumni and continuing the team's tradition and history. Richards replaced Tomekia Reed, who left to become the head coach for the Charlotte 49ers. She is eager to hit the ground running and build upon the success of the team.
The post JSU welcomes new Women's Basketball coach appeared first on www.wjtv.com
-
SuperTalk FM4 days ago
Driver’s education set to become mandatory in Mississippi as bill passes
-
SuperTalk FM3 days ago
State approves $160M to expand Highway 7 to four lanes in Lafayette County
-
Mississippi Business6 days ago
Geartek expanding operations in Alcorn County
-
Mississippi News6 days ago
Two women accused of shoplifting across southeast captured in Mississippi
-
Mississippi News4 days ago
Altercation at Mississippi police department leads to officer-involved shooting
-
Mississippi News1 day ago
Winston Co. Sheriff’s Office investigates shooting at Dave’s Club
-
Mississippi News6 days ago
Starkville police make arrest in shooting at Dawg Wash South
-
Mississippi Today2 days ago
On this day in 1917