News & Events

EVC–MTRAC Collaboration Advances $2M in Mobility Research Projects
EVC News | 07/17/25

The Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) Advanced Transportation Innovation Hub, in collaboration with the University of Michigan Electric Vehicle Center, has announced more than $2 million in awards to support 13 promising mobility research projects across Michigan.

Engineering Her Own Path: Heidi Koedam’s Journey from Industry to Inspiration
EVC News | 07/17/25

When Heidi Koedam reflects on her career, one word comes to mind: untraditional. And for her, that's not just a description – it's a badge of honor.

U-M EV Center Director Alan Taub Outlines Vision for Sustainable Mobility at Propulsion Strategies Conference
EVC News | 07/17/25

At the 17th Annual Propulsion Strategies for the 21st Century hybrid conference, held July 16 at the University of Michigan, Professor Alan Taub, director of the U-M Electric Vehicle Center, delivered a keynote address on the urgent need to accelerate the shift to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) – while keeping consumer satisfaction, energy resilience, and long-term sustainability at the forefront

EVC Receives Final $65M from State of Michigan to Accelerate EV Innovation and Workforce Development
EVC News | 07/17/25

The University of Michigan’s Electric Vehicle Center has received the second and final installment of its $130 million appropriation from the State of Michigan – marking a major milestone in our shared commitment to making Michigan the E-Motor Capital.

Join Us at the 2nd Annual Clean Cruise on August 2
EVC News | 07/17/25

Join one of Michigan’s top EV events! The U-M Electric Vehicle Center proudly sponsors the second annual Clean Cruise—a free, family-friendly celebration of electric vehicles and sustainable transportation, hosted by the Michigan Electric Vehicle Alliance (MEVA).

U-M Battery Lab Marks 10 Years of Powering Innovation; Expands Access to Companies Nationwide with Brand New Facility
EVC News | 07/17/25

This year marks a decade since the University of Michigan launched its pioneering Battery Lab – the nation’s first university-based pilot line dedicated to the development and scale-up of next-generation lithium-ion technologies. 

Driven to Connect: Jamie Racklyeft’s Journey from Rip Currents to EV Currents
EVC News | 06/23/25

As Communication Director for the University of Michigan’s Electric Vehicle Center, Jamie leads with both vision and voice. Whether he’s championing the center’s mission to make Michigan the E-Motor Capital, coaching leaders on presentation skills, or helping design the next state-of-the-art Battery Lab, Jamie brings a strategic, story-driven approach to everything he does.

Battery Lab Now Reserving Time at North Campus and Ellsworth
EVC News | 05/14/25

U-M’s Battery Lab is accepting reservations for Q2 and Q3 2025 at both of its operating locations. Battery Lab 1.0 (North Campus) supports small- to medium-format pouch cells, 18650s, and coin cells, with over 550 cycling channels and ultra-high precision coulometry. The new Battery Lab 2.0 (Ellsworth Road) offers a 4,000 sq. ft. –40°C dewpoint dry room, large-format pouch and 21700 cell capability, and an automated laser welding system for module and pack development.

Maizey & the Future of Learning: On-Demand AI for U-M’s Engineering Teams
EVC News | 05/14/25

What if students could get expert-level answers without waiting for office hours? At Michigan Engineering, they can. A custom-built version of U-M’s Maizey AI platform is now supporting student project teams with just-in-time knowledge — from safety protocols to simulation tools. Developed by students for students, this tool is transforming how tomorrow’s engineers learn, lead, and collaborate.

Leading with Purpose: Ashlee Breitner’s Dual Role in Workforce Transformation
EVC News | 05/14/25

From rural roots to statewide impact, Ashlee Breitner brings a grounded, people-first approach to her dual roles at the Electric Vehicle Center and Economic Growth Institute. In this profile, she shares how growing up in a small town shaped her leadership style, why workforce transformation starts with access, and what drives her passion for community-based innovation.

Power Up Your Battery and Energy Knowledge This Spring
EVC News | 04/15/25

From online certificates to in-person demos and expert panels, this spring offers three ways to boost your energy IQ. Topics range from battery manufacturing and fire safety to lithium-ion storage and the future of the grid – with the EV Center’s Jason Siegel and Greg Less featured in the programs.

Designing Opportunity: Jessi Kittel’s Vision for EV Workforce Development
EVC News | 04/15/25

From biomedical ethics to aerial silks, Jessi Kittel brings a creative and systems-focused approach to everything she does. As Workforce Development Lead at the U-M Electric Vehicle Center, she’s helping Michigan communities navigate the EV transition through hands-on training, equity-centered strategy, and imaginative learning design.

EV Symposium 2025 Recap: High Marks for First-Ever Gathering
EVC News | 04/07/25

The U-M Electric Vehicle Center’s first-ever Symposium drew nearly 300 attendees to NCRC April 1–2 for two days of keynotes, panels, research tours, student posters, and networking. With an all-star lineup of speakers and the announcement of $1M in new seed funding for EV research, the event exceeded expectations and energized collaboration across Michigan’s electric mobility ecosystem.

Driving Innovation: Harvey Bell’s Legacy in Engineering and Education
EVC News | 03/17/25

A. Harvey Bell IV has spent a lifetime pushing the boundaries of engineering — first at General Motors, where he led the development of the Camaro and Firebird, and now at the University of Michigan, where he mentors student teams in cutting-edge mobility and AI projects. Through his work with the Multidisciplinary Design Program and the Electric Vehicle Center, he’s shaping the next generation of engineers, equipping them with the skills to tackle the industry’s toughest challenges with creativity and innovation.

Breaking the 10-Minute Barrier – The Future of Extreme Fast Charging
EVC Events | 03/03/25

Can EVs be fully charged in just 10 minutes? Join Prof. Neil Dasgupta at our next free Surge Session webinar on March 10, as he explores cutting-edge advancements in extreme fast charging for lithium-ion batteries—an innovation that could revolutionize EV adoption. Learn how new materials, manufacturing techniques, and diagnostics are addressing the biggest challenge to fast charging: lithium plating on the graphite anode. Plus, discover a breakthrough that enables fast charging even in sub-zero temperatures. Learn more and register soon.