EXPERTS ADVISORY
University of Michigan specialists are ready to provide insights on the transformation of the electric vehicle industry following Ford Motor Co.’s announcement of a new platform and manufacturing technique designed to produce more economical models.
Tax incentives for electric vehicles are set to conclude next month.
U-M specialists consist of:
Alan Taub serves as the director of the U-M Electric Vehicle Center, a professor of materials science and engineering as well as mechanical engineering, and a former executive in the automotive sector, with experience at both Ford and General Motors Co. The EV Center is a public-private collaboration that is engaging with the industry to advance EV technology and workforce. Taub’s research focuses on lightweight materials. He can elaborate on Ford’s strategy, the future of EVs, and the initiatives at the EV Center.
“Achieving genuine affordability is vital for widespread EV acceptance, and it’s promising to witness automakers taking intentional steps to reach this goal,” he commented. “Ford’s adoption of lithium iron phosphate batteries represents a pragmatic choice, sacrificing some energy density for reduced costs, extended cycle life, and potential for second-life applications.
“Utilizing larger aluminum castings allows for reductions in both weight and expense, and complementing this with more efficient and adaptable manufacturing processes can further diminish weight and costs. Such engineering and manufacturing choices, replicated across various models, will facilitate battery electric vehicles achieving cost equilibrium with traditional combustion engines later this decade.”
Contact: [email protected], 734-763-1024
Greg Keoleian is a professor at the School for Environment and Sustainability and co-director of the Center for Sustainable Systems as well as the MI Hydrogen Initiative. His research emphasizes the creation and application of life cycle models and metrics to boost the sustainability of products and technology. He has investigated the life-cycle assessment of EV battery materials funded by Ford.
“Ford’s announcement of a new universal EV platform alongside a $5 billion investment marks a significant progression for the U.S. electric vehicle sector and the environment,” he stated. “The manufacturing, sales, and adoption of EVs form a crucial strategy for decarbonizing the transportation segment and addressing climate pollution.
“The rising occurrence and severity of weather and climate catastrophes, such as droughts, wildfires, and floods, underscore the critical need for climate action from industries, government bodies, and consumers.”
Contact: [email protected]
Miki Banu is a professor of mechanical engineering whose research centers on lightweight materials. Her focus is on creating micro and nanocellulose composites, natural fiber composites, and the related manufacturing processes for automotive and aerospace sectors.
“By substituting multiple steel components in the vehicle’s metal shell with single, lightweight aluminum castings, manufacturers can significantly reduce weight and enhance rigidity while also minimizing the use of mixed materials,” she explained. “This approach helps reduce galvanic corrosion—a frequent reason for recalls and repairs, costing the U.S. economy approximately 13% of GDP each year—while producing vehicles that are more efficient, durable, and sustainable.”
Contact: [email protected], 734-936-0378
Erik Gordon is a clinical assistant professor at the Ross School of Business. His interests encompass entrepreneurship and technology commercialization, venture capital, private equity, corporate mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and activism, IPOs, transportation, artificial intelligence, and FinTech.
“Ford is taking a substantial step with the new $30,000 mid-size EV pickup,” he remarked. “This strategy makes sense amidst competition from Chinese manufacturers and the memory of Japanese automakers, which offered affordably-priced, compact cars that significantly captured market share that the former Big Three struggled to reclaim.
“The assembly procedure represents a significant alteration for Ford, yet it’s not an uncharted territory. Volvo has long implemented a fishbone assembly method that integrates modules and utilizes both human labor and robotics.”
Contact: [email protected]