Why JD Vance is coming to Big Rapids: Electric vehicles and China

Dave Boucher
Detroit Free Press

It might not seem like it, but the little town of Big Rapids is at the epicenter of many a political race at the moment. ,,, That's due to a controversial project with facets core to both Democratic and Republican candidates: job creation, climate change, economic growth, foreign influence, corporate subsidies and more.

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Why Big Rapids?

Officially, the campaign says Vance is going to the city, roughly two hours north of Lansing, to "deliver remarks on the economy, inflation and manufacturing."

But it's right next door to a colossal electric vehicle battery plant project. Gotion Inc. promises to invest $2.4 billion and create 2,350 jobs in and around Green Charter Township. That's a small community, home to about 3,200 in Mecosta County, right next door to where Vance is slated to speak. (The event is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and is open to the public.)

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