As the automotive world transitions to electricity, Alabama wants its automakers to keep pace.
A new partnership between the University of Alabama, Alabama Power and Mercedes-Benz could make that happen.
The university’s board of trustees has approved forming the Alabama Mobility and Power Center, which its creators hope will be a leading research and development center to speed along growth in the electric vehicle field.
The move comes at a time when Mercedes has already committed $1 billion to expanding its electric vehicle production, and plans to begin manufacturing electric SUVs at its Tuscaloosa County plant next year. Alabama’s other auto manufacturers are in the midst of similar moves. Alabama is third in the nation for auto exports, with $7.5 billion in Alabama-made vehicles and parts exported in 2018.
Michael Goebel, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, said the company is set to go all electric by the end of the decade, as market conditions allow.
“Our location here in Alabama is among the Mercedes-Benz locations on three continents that next year will build electric vehicles and highly efficient battery systems,” Goebel said in a statement. “Our partnership with the University of Alabama and Alabama Power through the AMP Center is a collaboration that will help position Alabama to be a leader in electric vehicle innovation.”
UA President Stuart Bell called the center a “chance for the talented researchers at the University to support prominent industries in our state while growing opportunities for our students to apply their skills here after graduation.”
The AMP Center will be organized under the university’s Alabama Transportation Institute and be housed in the Smart Communities and Innovation Building, which was announced earlier this year. The center would be home to faculty and staff experts supporting private and government investment in new battery technologies, as well as infrastructure to charge electric vehicles.
It will also be focused on workforce preparation through a national training center, collaborations with the auto industry, and seek to work with Alabama’s other auto manufacturers.
As part of the partnership, Mercedes and Alabama Power will provide in-kind support, personnel and employee consultation on projects. Students will also receive mentoring, intern, research and career opportunities.
“High-quality jobs are the key to helping Alabamians live better lives, and this targeted research center, focused on solving challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities facing our state’s automotive industry, is essential to driving our state’s economic growth,” Tony Smoke, senior vice president for marketing and economic development for Alabama Power, said.
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November 10, 2021 at 03:45AM
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UA, Mercedes-Benz, Alabama Power collaborate on electric vehicle research, development - AL.com
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