How EV maker Rivian’s stalled plant plans could impact Georgia's economy

A Rivian R1T on display inside of the electric vehicle manufacturer's space at Ponce City Market in Atlanta, Ga on Thursday, October 19, 2023. (Matthew Pearson/WABE)

Rivian Automotive is pausing the construction of its $5 billion manufacturing plant in Georgia. 

Rivian’s CEO Robert Scaringe says the company decided to halt plans for the factory and move production of new models to an existing Illinois facility. This news comes as Governor Brian Kemp has pushed for Georgia to become the electric mobility capital of America.

On Friday’s edition of “Closer Look,” Tom Smith, a professor of finance at Emory University, analyzes the potential economic impact of Rivian’s stalled development.