In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have become more and more prevalent on the road. Perhaps no state in the country is better suited for this job sector than California. As a state that has been at the forefront of the electric vehicle industry for many years, California offers many opportunities for people who are passionate about sustainable transportation and clean energy. Electric vehicle manufacturers in California are involved in a wide range of jobs, each offering exciting and dynamic career paths.

That said, there are certain challenges that working as an electric vehicle manufacturer presents. In many ways, the same things that make the job exciting–working with cutting-edge technology in dynamic, fast-paced environments– can also contribute to these challenges.

Experienced, Dedicated California Employment Lawyers

At Maison Law, our team of experienced, dedicated California employment lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and protections in the workplace. Working as an electric vehicle manufacturer can be rewarding, but it also can result in violations of these rights and protections. Standing up for your rights can be intimidating, but with our team by your side, you’ll have the legal support you need to hold your employer accountable.

Working in Electric Vehicle Manufacturing in California

At the intersection of the California technology and manufacturing industries is electric vehicle manufacturers. This rapidly growing and dynamic sector includes a variety of companies ranging from established automakers to innovative startups. Some of the major players in the electric vehicle manufacturing industry in California include:

Tesla, which is headquartered in Palo Alto and has its main manufacturing facility in Fremont
Lucid Motors, which is headquartered in Newark

In addition to these established automakers, California is home to a number of promising electric vehicle startups like:

Rivian
Faraday Future
Fisker Inc.
Proterra
BYD
Lion Electric

All of these companies are focused on bringing new EVs to market and have been supported by a range of state policies and incentives aimed at reducing emissions and promoting the implementation of these vehicles.

As a result, the EV manufacturing industry in California is a major driver of job creation, innovation, and economic growth in the state. According to data from the Department of Energy, California leads the nation in registered EVs with 563,070. This number dwarfs all the other states, with the second-highest number of registered EVs belonging to Florida with just over 95,640.

Not only does California have a huge percentage of the market for EVs, but its manufacturing of them also provides plenty of employment opportunities for people in the state. Some of the common jobs in electric vehicle manufacturing include:

Mechanical engineer
Electrical engineer
Manufacturing Engineer
Production line worker
Quality Control Inspector
Supply Chain Manager
Sales and Marketing
Software Developer

As the demand for EVs continues to rise, the manufacturing of these vehicles is becoming an increasingly important job sector in California. However, with any new industry, there can be legal issues that arise for workers.

Challenges and Legal Issues For Electric Vehicle Manufacturers in California

Working as an electric vehicle manufacturer in California means being subjected to a range of legal issues that can impact your day-to-day life. California’s employment laws are designed for every workplace, including those common to electric vehicle manufacturers. That said, the challenges that these workers face are closely related to violations of these rights and protections.

Challenges

EV manufacturers in California face several challenges related to the production, distribution, and adoption of EVs. Here are some of the key challenges they may encounter:

Supply chain issues – The production of EVs requires a complex supply chain that includes sourcing materials, components, and parts from different regions of the world. This can create challenges related to supply chain disruptions, quality control, and compliance with local laws and regulations.
Infrastructure limitations – The adoption of EVs is limited by the availability of charging infrastructure. EV manufacturers must work with government agencies and other stakeholders to build and expand charging networks, including fast-charging stations, to encourage EV adoption.
Battery technology and costs – EVs rely on battery technology, which can be expensive and subject to supply chain disruptions. EV manufacturers must develop and innovate battery technology while keeping costs low to remain competitive in the market.
Government regulations and incentives – Government regulations and incentives, such as tax credits and subsidies, can have a significant impact on the adoption of EVs. EV manufacturers must stay informed about changing regulations and policies to adjust their production and marketing strategies accordingly.
Consumer awareness and education – The adoption of EVs is also limited by consumer awareness and education. EV manufacturers must work to educate consumers about the benefits of EVs and dispel myths and misconceptions about their performance and affordability.

Legal Violations

Workers in California’s EV manufacturing frequently run into violations of their workplace rights, especially those that work in factories. Here are some of the more common legal violations that they face:

Health and safety violations – Many workers in EV manufacturing may be exposed to hazardous materials and chemicals, as well as physical hazards related to the manufacturing process. Employers are required to provide a safe working environment, and violations of health and safety regulations can result in fines, penalties, and legal action.
Wage and hour violations – EV manufacturing workers may be subject to violations related to wages and hours. This can include failure to pay overtime, misclassification of employees as exempt, and failure to provide meal and rest breaks as required by law.
Discrimination and Harassment – EV manufacturing workers may experience discrimination and harassment based on their race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics. Employers are required to provide a workplace free from discrimination and harassment under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
Retaliation – Workers who report violations or engage in protected activity, such as filing a complaint or participating in a union, may be subject to retaliation. Retaliation can include termination, demotion, or other adverse employment actions, and is illegal under California’s Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA), as well as federal law.
Breach of contract – EV manufacturers in California may also face breach of contract issues related to their employment if they work under a written agreement. Breach of contract occurs when one party fails to fulfill their obligations under a legally binding agreement, and is common among those that work in intellectual property (IP) for electric vehicles.
Misclassification – EV workers who are misclassified as independent contractors instead of employees may be denied important legal protections and benefits, such as minimum wage, overtime pay, and workers’ compensation. Employers who misclassify their workers can face penalties and legal action.

How Can Electric Vehicle Manufacturers Protect Their Workplace Rights?

As a California worker, you have a number of different options in the event that your employer violates your rights in the workplace. This includes workers in EV manufacturing. While EV manufacturing offers many diverse opportunities across a variety of different workplaces, employers are ultimately responsible for complying with the law as it relates to your rights as a worker. That said, there are a few ways you can take measures to protect your rights when you believe your employer is violating them:

Document everything – Always keep records of your work hours, wages, and any workplace violations or harassment. Documentation can be used as evidence in a legal case or administrative complaint.
Report violations – Workers should initially report any violations to their supervisor or human resources. This will place your employer on notice that violations are occurring. Then, you should also report the violations to the appropriate authorities, such as the California Labor Commissioner’s Office Cal/OSHA. Workers may also file a complaint or lawsuit against their employer.
Join a union – Another way to protect yourself is to join a union to collectively bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. Unions can also provide legal representation and support to workers who experience workplace violations.

Legal Options

Filing an administrative complaint – Depending on the violation, your first legal option is to file a complaint with a state agency, such as the California Labor Commissioner’s Office, the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), or the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). The agency will investigate the complaint and may take action to enforce the law, such as ordering the employer to pay back wages or compensation. Administrative complaints are typically less formal and less expensive than lawsuits, and they can often be resolved more quickly.

Filing a lawsuit – Once the administrative complaint is wrapped up, you could then proceed to filing a lawsuit against your employer. An employment lawsuit in California allows you to seek damages for lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages. Lawsuits are typically more formal and expensive than administrative complaints, and they can sometimes take longer to resolve. However, working with our experienced California employment lawyers can ensure that you get proper treatment under the law.

Don’t Hesitate To Contact Maison Law

It can be a difficult prospect to face violations of your employment law rights in California, and it’s something no worker deserves. For all of its protections, it’s ultimately up to your employer to comply with the laws. When they don’t, it can cause serious harm to you and your coworkers. At Maison Law, we will not stand by and let these violations happe. We can help you figure out your next steps and make sure that your employer is held accountable for their illegal actions. Don’t hesitate to get the help you need, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

California Employment Law Guide For Electric Vehicle Manufacturers