The University of Michigan has finalized the contract for a $130 million electric vehicle (EV) center after Michigan lawmakers approved funding for the facility last year.
The University of Michigan Electric Vehicle Center will focus on three main areas:
- Accelerating collaborative R&D
- Developing a highly skilled workforce
- Establishing advanced campus infrastructure and facilities to support both research and education.
“While the EV revolution is well underway, there’s an immense amount of work to do in order to meet — and then push beyond — the U.S. goal that half of new car sales be electric by 2030,” said Alec D. Gallimore, an engineering professor at the University of Michigan. “We need to address areas like the workforce, cost, vehicle range, charging infrastructure and sustainability. Our center will build on more than a century of U-M leadership in transportation to tackle these and other critical areas.”
Alan Taub, an engineering professor and former VP of global R&D at General Motors and other titles at Ford Motor Company, was appointed as the director of the University of Michigan Electric Vehicle Center. Tabu will work to establish an advisory board and work with members to identify strategies and R&D related to EVs.
Researchers at the University of Michigan said that the workforce in the state is most vulnerable to the EV transition based on the heavy automotive presence in the region. Researchers found that Michigan, Indiana and Ohio hold more than half the jobs in the most at-risk category of auto parts manufacturing.
The University of Michigan will target both current and future generations of mobility workers with educational offerings at the University of Michigan and other institutions across the state. The university will aim to eventually engage more than 1,200 students a year throughout its network.
Rise in battery manufacturing
At the same time, Michigan is expected to see some of the highest growth in battery manufacturing capabilities in 2030, according to a study by Argonne National Labs.
In anticipation for this, the University of Michigan is identifying undergraduate and master’s degree programs as well as education courses and credentials to close industry gaps.
An early focus on battery engineering and battery manufacturing will infuse the region with battery engineers and those with skills to help the transition. Today, the University of Michigan offers more than 20 undergraduate and master’s-level courses on:
- Battery materials
- Manufacturing and management
- EV electrical components
- Grid power systems.
