Ann Arbor, MI – The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) and the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research have been awarded a grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to research and develop a comprehensive Electric Vehicle (EV) Labor Market Report. The collaborative initiative between LEO, CAR, Upjohn, and Michigan’s Center for Data and Analytics (MCDA) will provide critical insights into the rapidly evolving EV workforce landscape—informing industry, policy, and education strategies to ensure Michigan’s leadership in the electric vehicle transition.
The project, coordinated through the Michigan EV Workforce Hub’s Data & Coordination Working group, will deliver a data-rich, actionable assessment of Michigan’s EV labor market. The report will feature:
- Historical and Current Trends – Assessment of employment, skills, and investment patterns in Michigan’s automotive sector.
- Future Projections – Modeling potential near-term changes in the EV labor market as they relate to changes in manufacturing and production.
- Qualitative Insights – Findings from in-depth interviews and surveys with automotive industry HR leaders and decision-makers on evolving jobs, skills gaps, and near-term hiring demand.
Strategic Impact
Slated for completion in December 2025, the report will serve as a foundation for workforce planning and policy development, helping automakers, suppliers, educators, and economic development leaders align talent strategies with industry transformation. The research will also strengthen coordination across EV Workforce Hub workgroups and partners, ensuring data-driven decision-making at every stage of Michigan’s EV transition.
“Electrification is reshaping every facet of the automotive workforce,” said Dr. K. Venkatesh Prasad, Senior Vice President of Research and Chief Innovation Officer at CAR. “This research will provide the clarity, foresight, and actionable intelligence our partners need to stay ahead in a highly competitive global market.”
Share Your Insights
Employers, human resource leads, and site managers are invited to contribute their expertise and perspectives to this research. Participants can complete the survey at this link. Responses will help shape the findings and recommendations of the final report.
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Center for Automotive Research
The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) is an independent, non-profit organization conducting industry-driven research and analysis. Focusing on critical areas like Energy & Sustainability, Technology, and Labor, Economics, and Policy. CAR has been a trusted resource for the automotive industry for over twenty years. www.cargroup.org
