The University of Michigan Receives $130 Million for EV Center
The state of Michigan and the University of Michigan (U-M) recently finalized the process to build the new University of Michigan Electric Vehicle Center. $130 million in funds will be dedicated to building the next-generation Center, which will help accelerate research and development, build a highly skilled workforce, and establish facilities on U-M’s campus to bolster research and education.
The Center will join existing initiatives at U-M, including Mcity, a leading interdisciplinary public-private center for mobility research and development that works with dozens of partners to chart the future of transportation.
Lt. Governor Gilchrist Joins U-M to Finalize State Support for High-Tech EV Center Attracting High-Skilled Jobs, Future Mobility Investment
Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist announced the State of Michigan and the University of Michigan have finalized the process to build the new University of Michigan Electric Vehicle Center. To continue attracting high-tech jobs and investment in the electric vehicle industry, Governor Whitmer signed into law a $130 million appropriation in the FY 2023 budget to build this next-generation center. This new facility will build on the $16.6 billion of projects creating 16,300 good-paying jobs Michigan has brought home through bipartisan economic development tools as Michigan is one of three states poised to “dominate” electric vehicle battery manufacturing in the United States by 2030.
“Michigan is competing with everyone to lead the future of cars, chips, and clean energy,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Cutting-edge research and development centers like the one here at U-M will bring together the innovators, dreamers, and doers that will help us grow our economy, build the future right here in Michigan, and define the next century of mobility. Governor Whitmer and I were proud to partner with the University of Michigan to get this done.”
The University of Michigan Electric Vehicle Center will focus on accelerating research and development, building a highly skilled workforce, and establishing facilities on U-M’s campus to boost research and education. The Center will invest $50 million to support research and development of new, innovative mobility technologies through public and private partnership. Another $20 million will go toward boosting educational offerings to engage more students and improve workforce talent. To achieve that goal, the Center will participate in efforts such as the state’s EV Jobs Academy.
“We’re undergoing a redefinition of personal mobility in a way we haven’t seen in a century,” said Alan Taub, Robert H. Lurie Professor of Engineering and Director of the Electric Vehicle Center. “It requires changes to the vehicles, the infrastructure, consumer behavior, policy, and more. We need academia, industry, and government to work together to enable a smooth transition. Southeast Michigan drove the evolution of mobility from the horse and carriage to affordable automobiles 100 years ago. We have what it takes to do it again, but the stakes are as tremendous as the opportunity.”
The Electric Vehicle Center will join existing initiatives at U-M, such as Mcity, a leading interdisciplinary public-private center for mobility research and development that works with dozens of partners to chart the future of transportation. Plans for the facility will go before the U-M Board of Regents for consideration.
“For Michigan to maintain and grow its competitive edge in the national electrification landscape, investing in resources like the University of Michigan’s Electric Vehicle Center is critical to keep us at the forefront of industry innovations and discoveries,” said Kathryn Snorrason, Interim Chief Mobility Officer for the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME). “Since its inception, OFME has been laser-focused on partnering across state government, academia, and private industry to support opportunities to build upon Michigan’s legendary mobility leadership. We’re thrilled to see this investment come to life and further grow the rich electrification ecosystem throughout the state.”
State of Michigan Community EV Toolkit Launched to Support Local Governments
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The Michigan Office of Mobility and Electrification (OFME) and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) have announced a partnership to create the State of Michigan Community EV Toolkit, an online resource hub for local governments to prepare for the future of electric vehicle (EV) deployment and adoption.
“This initiative compliments and supports our state’s continued efforts to educate communities and provide a streamlined information resource on EVs and electrification,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Along with the MI Future Mobility Plan and MI Healthy Climate Plan, this resource will play a critical role in Michigan setting a global rollout for the successful transition to a sustainable, healthy future of mobility.”
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Michigan Winning the Battery and Clean Energy Race
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Michigan has been named the number two state nationwide for clean energy investments, with a combined $20 billion in investment since August 2022. A report from Climate Power shows that Michigan’s 14 winning projects in clean energy, battery, and electric vehicle manufacturing have resulted in 13,000 jobs since the passage of the Inflation Reduction act.
“I am pleased to see Michigan on top, thanks to the leadership of Governor Whitmer,” said House Economic Development and Small Business Chair Representative Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield). “I am proud to be part of the team working to make real investments in our economic future — ones that will continue to cement our status as a leader in quality job creation.”
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May Mobility Partners with Mobility App Developer
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Ann Arbor-based autonomous vehicle developer May Mobility has announced a new partnership with Moovit, an Israel-based mobility app developer. The collaboration will provide users options for taking May Mobility AVs alongside other modes of public transit, such as buses or trains.
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Fleet of E-bikes Ready for Use on University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor Campus
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The University of Michigan recently announced that a fleet of approximately 100 electric-assisted bikes will now be available for use on its campus. The bikes are being operated by micro-mobility company SPIN, which is already partnering with the city of Ann Arbor to allow residents and visitors to rent and ride the e-bikes throughout the city.
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Applications Open for the Purpose-Built Vehicle Open Innovation Challenge
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The newly launched Purpose-Built Vehicle Open Innovation Challenge is searching to identify the best entrepreneurial and technological solutions developed in North America in the logistics, mobility and automotive sector. The collaborative initiative, led by Plug and Play, Kia and Hyundai CRADLE Silicon Valley, will accelerate the development of technology that aligns with Kia’s Purpose-Built Vehicle business.
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Resources and Opportunities
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