Electric vehicle manufacturer invests $8.7M in Greenville facility

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Star EV, an electric golf cart manufacturer, plans to expand operations in Greenville County through an $8.7 million investment slated to create 50 jobs.

The company also manufactures and distributes off-road carts and other recreational vehicles from more than 200 locations worldwide. The company offers a line of accessories such as flip sets, tires, brush guards and stereos.

“We are ecstatic to be expanding our manufacturing operations to better serve our customers,” Star EV CEO Jane Zhang said in a news release. “This expansion will raise our Star EV brand recognition to a new level in the global market. We’d like to thank Greenville County and the state for their outstanding support, and we look forward to this continued partnership for years to come.”

Headquartered at 378 Neely Ferry Road in Simpsonville, Star EV’s expansion follows a growth in demand for its street legal, low-speed vehicles including 48-volt cars able to reach 60 miles per hour on full charge.

The company was formerly called JH Global Services Inc. when founded in 2009 and has since received $8.1 million in federal contract and grand funding, according to data from GovTribe.

“South Carolina’s electric vehicle industry is booming, and we’re thrilled to see Star EV advancing this sector and growing within our state,” Gov. Henry McMaster said in the release. “We celebrate Star EV’s more than $8.7 million investment in Greenville County and the 50 new jobs the company will create.”

The expansion is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025. 

“Golf and other outdoor recreational activities are such an important part of South Carolina’s tourism industry, and we are excited when companies that support quality of life for residents and visitors continue to invest within our borders,” Commerce Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III said in the release.  “We appreciate Star EV’s ongoing commitment to Greenville and to South Carolina.”  

“Star EV's growth is due in large part to the organization's focus on the booming future of electric vehicles and their superior manufacturing capabilities and team, Greenville County Council Chairman Willis Meadows said in the release. “As a highly respected and innovative manufacturer, we welcome their latest expansion here in Greenville County.” 

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project.