U-M Engineering: Pioneering Accessible and Equitable EV Solutions

Michigan Engineering is taking a convergent approach to ensure that the electric vehicle (EV) revolution is accessible and equitable for all. With automakers committing to all-electric vehicle lineups and an anticipated 52% of vehicle sales being all-electric by 2030, there is a renewed national investment in transitioning to EVs. The engineers at Michigan are dedicated to creating a road that leads to accessible, safe, sustainable, and equitable solutions for everyone.

As a hub for convergent research, Michigan Engineering fosters collaboration among automakers, legislators, regulators, academics, and researchers to address not only the technological advancements of EVs but also their integration into our society, bridging critical gaps. “Our university is at an EV inflection point, along with the auto industry and society at large, as we prepare for major EV innovations,” said Alec D. Gallimore, the Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering, Richard F. and Eleanor A. Towner Professor, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor, and professor of aerospace engineering. The faculty at Michigan are working diligently to provide insights, guidance, and thought leadership to shape the future of EVs before they become the primary vehicles on our roads.

In line with their commitment, Michigan Engineering is leading the way with the Electric Vehicle Center, a groundbreaking initiative backed by a $130 million state investment. This center, the first of its kind in the nation, brings together the existing resources at U-M and throughout the state to focus on the future of electric vehicle technology and workforce development. It leverages the expertise of the Michigan Battery Lab, Mcity, the U-M Transportation Research Institute, and top-tier academic departments, offering comprehensive knowledge in EVs, autonomous vehicles (AVs), and connected vehicles.

Collaborating with the U.S. Department of Energy, researchers at Michigan Engineering are developing new design tools and establishing best practices for material producers and carmakers to incorporate recycling throughout the production process. By considering recycling from start to finish, they aim to reduce the pressure on countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Philippines, which face disproportionate demand for precious battery metals.

“From conducting state-of-the-art research in key technologies such as batteries, to training the next generation of engineers, to planning future infrastructure and addressing numerous other concerns, Michigan Engineering is at the forefront of the mobility revolution,” emphasized Gallimore.

Together, with their comprehensive approach and collaborative efforts, Michigan Engineering is driving the transformation toward accessible, equitable, and sustainable electric mobility for all.