Truck Tech | Building the Battery Belt: Proterra’s Dave Rubin on BABA, Friendshoring, and the Push for Domestic Manufacturing

The battery landscape is shifting, and the stakes for domestic manufacturing have never been higher. In this episode of Truck Tech, host Thomas Wasson sits down with Dave Rubin, Head of Policy at Proterra, to unpack the complex realities of building commercial EV batteries in the U.S. From strict "Build America, Buy America" (BABA) compliance rules to the strategic use of friendshoring with allies like Japan and South Korea, they explore how federal mandates and tax incentives are reshaping the supply chain. Tune in as they discuss: BABA Explained: What does "Build America, Buy America" actually require for battery manufacturers? Supply Chain Realities: Can the U.S. move from buying "cookies" to making them from scratch, and where do we currently stand on raw material processing? Strategic Friendshoring: How partnerships with allied nations are helping bridge the gap while domestic capacity ramps up. Policy Impacts: The role of the 45X tax credit and trade policies in driving investment toward the U.S. "Battery Belt." Proterra’s Latest Moves: An update on Proterra’s integration with the Volvo Group and their new H223 high-energy density battery pack. Whether you're tracking the EV revolution or navigating the new rules of American manufacturing, this episode offers a deep dive into the policies powering the future of commercial transportation. ⁠Follow the Truck Tech Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices