News & Events

Forged by Industry, Inspired by Innovation: The Journey of Mihaela Banu
EVC News | 02/11/25

From welding in a Romanian shipyard to pioneering lightweight materials at the University of Michigan, Mihaela (Miki) Banu has spent her career pushing the boundaries of engineering innovation. As the EV Center’s Technology Director, she helps bridge the gap between academia and industry, applying lessons learned from her global research journey – including collaborations in Japan and France – to advance sustainable manufacturing. Discover how Miki’s early fascination with materials, her deep-rooted passion for problem-solving, and her dream of becoming a pastry chef shape her inspiring career in engineering.

Missed a Surge Session EV Webinar? Watch the Recordings Anytime
EVC News | 01/19/25

Our Surge Session Webinar Series has brought together top experts to share insights, research, and practical solutions shaping the future of electric mobility. Since launching the series, we’ve hosted three sessions focused on EV infrastructure and one exploring the climate impact of vehicle choices. If you missed any – or want to revisit your favorites – you can now watch the recordings on our YouTube channel. Stay informed, stay inspired, and stay connected to the conversations driving the EV transition.

Reflecting on 2024: The EV Center’s Progress and Plans for 2025
EVC News | 01/18/25

The EV Center team made significant progress in 2024, advancing their mission, vision, and strategic pillars across technology, education, workforce development, and facilities. As we look ahead to 2025, exciting initiatives like the launch of Battery Lab 2.0, new research projects, and the first EV Symposium are on the horizon. Read more about our accomplishments and plans for the future of electric mobility at the link above.

$1M in New Funding Announced for Mobility Innovation Through EVC-MTRAC Partnership
EVC News | 01/17/25

The EVC is partnering with the MTRAC Advanced Transportation Innovation Hub to provide $1 million in funding for translational research projects with high commercial potential related to electric mobility and transportation. Research faculty from all Michigan public universities can apply for Kickstart Awards (up to $50K) or Mid-Stage Awards ($50K–$200K). Proposals are due by February 28, 2025.

From Batteries to Battlefields: Greg Less Powers Innovation at U-M’s Battery Lab
EVC News | 01/14/25

Explore the fascinating journey of Greg Less, the Technical Director of U-M’s Battery Lab, as he bridges the worlds of cutting-edge battery research and medieval recreation. From his early career in chemistry to leading the upcoming Battery Lab 2.0 expansion, Greg reflects on the challenges and opportunities of advancing EV technology. Learn how his passion for teaching, support from his family, and experiences in the Society for Creative Anachronism continue to inspire his groundbreaking work.

Speakers & Surprises Await at Inaugural EV Symposium
EVC Events | 12/12/24

Seats are filling fast for U-M’s inaugural Electric Vehicle Center Symposium, April 1-2, 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to join leaders in electric mobility, U-M faculty, and other engaging experts to explore the innovations shaping the future of transportation. With dynamic keynotes, tech talks, power panels, a poster session, and more, this free event promises insights and connections you won’t want to miss. Learn more and RSVP today before your calendar fills up!

Red Flannel Beginnings Inspire a Life of Advocacy for Michelle Campbell
EVC News | 12/11/24

Discover the inspiring story of Michelle Campbell, the EVC’s DEIA Lead, as she reflects on her small-town upbringing in Cedar Springs, Michigan, her journey into advocacy, and her mission to build equity and inclusion into everything she does. Learn how Michelle’s love of community, her 20-year partnership with her high school sweetheart Reuben, and their recent journey into parenthood continue to shape her impactful work at Michigan Engineering.

New Surge Session Webinar Series Features Three EV Infrastructure Experts 
EVC Events | 11/20/24

The U-M Electric Vehicle Center is excited to announce the launch of our "Surge Session" Webinar Series, a free, one-hour online event series designed to share insights from industry and government leaders shaping the future of electric mobility.

Jason Siegel’s Path from a Family Garage to Cutting-Edge Battery Research
EVC News | 10/21/24

Siegel’s journey from fixing computers, printers, and lawnmowers in junior high to pioneering lithium-ion battery modeling for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage systems has been marked by an eagerness to learn and a knack for solving tough problems. Now, as a research professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan, Siegel has established himself as a key figure in EV battery technology, contributing to the advancement of battery health estimation and thermal management techniques critical to the clean energy transition.

Second Academia-Industry Tech Workshop Focuses on Thermal Management and Vehicle/Component End-of-Life
EVC News | 09/20/24

Building on the success of our first academia-industry tech workshop this summer on batteries and electric drives, Alan Taub and the EV Center held a second all-day session this week, bringing together over 70 U-M Engineering faculty and industry leaders. Our special guest was the state of Michigan's Chief Mobility Officer, Justine Johnson. This time, the focus was on identifying and refining potential research projects related to EV thermal management and vehicle/component end-of-life. After reviewing project proposal presentations and having collaborative discussions, synergies emerged, and several more innovative projects were selected to move forward to the next step. We are excited to continue driving EV technology advancements.

Greg Keoleian’s Story of Pioneering Life Cycle Analysis for Sustainable Systems
EVC News | 08/20/24

Learn about the EV Center’s Tech Lead for Life Cycle Analysis, Greg Keoleian. Discover his journey from early environmental interests to becoming a leader in life cycle modeling and sustainable systems. Explore his visionary insights and impactful research that continue to shape the future of sustainable technology and transportation.

Academia-Industry Tech Workshops Generating Innovative Project Ideas
EVC News | 07/24/24

After months of virtual meetings and ideation sessions, this summer the EV Center brought together more than 70 U-M Engineering faculty and EV industry leaders for an all-day workshop to distill and combine over 100 of their EV technology project ideas, focusing on batteries and drives. The synergies among the project ideas were quickly identified and more than 30 were selected to move forward for funding consideration.