EV Center in the News

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Electric Vehicle Industry Will Persist, Experts Say, Despite Funding Cuts
States Newsroom | 03/06/25
The future of electric vehicles remains strong, even amidst changing federal policies. In a recent States Newsroom article, Alan Taub, Director of the U-M Electric Vehicle Center, shared insights on why EVs represent a better vehicle – from performance advantages to long-term cost competitiveness. Alan also emphasized the critical role of research, workforce development, and industry partnerships in ensuring the U.S. remains a leader in the global EV market. While policy may shift, the momentum behind EV innovation continues.
Electric Vehicle Lessons Cruise into Michigan Classrooms
Michigan Engineering News | 09/19/24
Michigan's K-8 classrooms are getting electrified. A new curriculum, developed by the U-M Center for Digital Curricula and supported by the EV Center, introduces young students to the future of electric vehicles and the growing industry in Michigan. With interactive lessons and hands-on activities, the program sparks curiosity and helps students envision a future career in EVs – one of Michigan's most promising job markets. Check out how we're inspiring the next generation of engineers and innovators.
How Electric-Vehicle Battery Fires Happen—and How You Should React
Wired | 09/04/24
Greg Less, our Battery Lab Director, was recently featured in a Wired article discussing the rare but intense risk of lithium-ion battery fires in electric vehicles. Greg provides expert insights on how these fires happen, the distinction between accidents and manufacturing defects, and what steps EV owners should take to stay safe. For those interested in the evolving landscape of EV safety, this article offers valuable information and a glimpse into the innovations making EVs even more reliable.
U-M Engineers Join DOE-Backed Clean Energy Storage Research Hub
University Record | 09/03/24
A $62.5 million initiative led by Argonne National Laboratory, the Energy Storage Research Alliance (ESRA), includes U-M as a key collaborator to push beyond today's battery technology. Neil Dasgupta, EVC Battery Lead and Associate Professor, highlights the team's use of advanced in situ methods to enhance battery analytics and inform computational models. This partnership aims to develop groundbreaking energy storage solutions critical for decarbonizing sectors like heavy-duty transportation and the electric grid.
New Forms of Steel for Stronger, Lighter Cars
Knowable Magazine | 08/06/24
Automakers are advancing steel technology to create stronger, lighter, and safer vehicles. Alan Taub, Director of the University of Michigan’s Electric Vehicle Center, calls this a “revolution” in materials science. These new high-strength steels, combined with lightweight polymers, reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency, crucial for the heavier electric vehicles of today. Taub sees these innovations as vital for the future of the automotive industry.
Exploring the Next Generation of Lithium-Ion Batteries: A Must-Watch Documentary
Labcompare | 05/23/24
Dive into “Ushering Lithium-Ion Batteries Toward Their Full Potential,” a documentary featuring U-M EV Center’s Alan Taub and Greg Less. Discover the past accomplishments and future possibilities of electric vehicle technology. Alan Taub concludes with a visionary outlook on how battery electric vehicles are poised to revolutionize our environmental footprint.
U-M EVC and Cell Press to Host Electric Vehicle Technology Conference
Michigan League | 05/20/24
In collaboration with Cell Press journals, U-M and the EV Center present the “Technology Barriers to Electric Vehicle Implementation” conference. This high-profile event features global experts like Yet-Ming Chiang, Clare Grey and more, discussing breakthroughs and challenges in EV technology. It offers an intimate setting for in-depth dialogue with speakers and editors, plus an exclusive discount for students and postdocs. A must-attend for those at the forefront of electric mobility.
Election Year Politics Roil the EV Transition
Roll Call | 05/20/24
Automakers are cautious as they try to gauge consumer demand and the upcoming election. “If we don’t continue to incentivize both the purchase of the vehicles domestically and the creation of the infrastructure, the charging stations, we run the risk of falling behind in the technology,” said Alan Taub, a former auto executive who now heads the Electric Vehicle Center at the University of Michigan. Taub said he recently was on a panel on EV technology in Detroit, and at the end he told the audience of auto executives and engineers that “it’s time to rebrand the Motor City the E-Motor City.”
Used EVs Are Getting Cheaper. Should You Buy One?
Popular Science | 05/18/24
Now, if you “lose 10% range on a 250-mile car, you still have 225 miles.” That’s enough for most drivers. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimated the average automobile owner drives fewer than 40 miles a day. And while you can technically replace an EV battery, most people don’t consider it, said Greg Less, director of the University of Michigan’s Battery Lab. “You can’t even get into your phone to replace the battery anymore,” he said. “We just buy a new phone. And I think that’s probably where we’re going be at with electric vehicles [for the near future].”
Biden, Trump Dig Heels in as EVs Become Surprising Election Issue
U.S. News & World Report | 04/12/24
Electric vehicles have become a surprising hot topic in the 2024 election, sparking debate between President Biden and former President Trump. Amid partisan rhetoric, Alan Taub, director of the U-M Electric Vehicle Center, emphasized the critical need for the U.S. to lead in EV design and production. “There’s a global race, and the pace is unprecedented,” Taub said, warning of risks to the domestic auto industry if federal incentives fall short.
EVC Director Delivers Keynote at Vector E-Mobility Symposium
Vector North America | 02/06/24
EVC Director Alan Taub was the keynote speaker at the Vector E-Mobility Symposium North America 2024, where he presented, “Driving EV Tech and Talent: Academic-Industry Collaboration in Tackling Challenges & Expanding Opportunities in Vehicle Electrification.” In attendance were vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, researchers and other industry experts discussing trending topics in e-mobility.
Car Country Plugs In
Michigan Engineer | 11/14/23
The Midwest holds the greatest automotive workforce the world has ever known. With help from U-M’s new EV Center, it’s gearing up to power an electric future.
The Future of EV Batteries
Nova | 08/30/23
Today a team of researchers at the University of Michigan are trying to eliminate EV battery problems by building a solid state battery, which is about half the size of a lithium ion battery, has a much higher energy capacity, and addresses range anxiety and safety issues. Video features an interview with Professor Jeff Sakamoto.