Over 200 figures from various sectors including industry, government, and academia convened in Athens for the fourth annual University of Georgia Electric Mobility Summit on March 13 at the UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel. Coordinated by the Georgia Network for Electric Mobility, the summit emphasized collaborative prospects to foster the adoption of electric and future mobility, addressing the needs of this expanding sector in Georgia and beyond.
This year’s summit, titled “Driving Forward: Innovating Today for the Mobility of Tomorrow,” commenced with statements from Alton Standifer, vice provost and chair of UGA’s Electric Mobility Executive Council, along with representatives from GNEM founding partners such as Tony Ferguson, Georgia Power Co.’s northeast region director for external affairs; Joe George, president of Cox Automotive Mobility Solutions Group; and Stuart Countess, president and CEO of Kia Georgia Inc. The gathering also included keynote speeches by Georgia Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols and Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Russell McMurry. The complete event agenda is accessible here.
In his address to summit attendees, S. Jack Hu, the university’s senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, highlighted UGA’s substantial investments in e-mobility research and education made in recent years. These initiatives encompass an interdisciplinary hiring program aimed at attracting 10 premier faculty members in fields such as engineering, public policy, business, and public service outreach, alongside a $2 million seed grant initiative that commenced in 2023 to stimulate innovative faculty research in e-mobility.
“We are dedicated to collaborating with industry, government, and communities to improve the well-being and quality of life for Georgia’s residents,” expressed Hu. “I believe one of UGA’s most vital functions is to unite leaders at the forefront of electric mobility in Georgia during events like this summit, enabling us to forge new connections, discover new opportunities, and build on the state’s growing reputation in this promising sector.
Driving innovation, linking communities
Established in 2022, GNEM is a university-wide effort concentrating on electric mobility and transportation innovation, research, and economic development both statewide and beyond. The network is spearheaded by council members from various UGA departments, including the Office of the Provost, the College of Engineering, the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, the Odum School of Ecology, the Office of Business Engagement, the School of Public and International Affairs, Public Service and Outreach, and the Terry College of Business.
In alignment with the summit and in collaboration with GNEM, UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, a unit focused on public service and outreach, is aiding communities in understanding the opportunities and challenges associated with electric mobility through the Plug Into Georgia initiative. Developed with support from Southern Co., this program offers education, outreach, engagement, and technical assistance for government decision-makers. The initiative piloted a regional workshop where local government and community leaders engaged with regional counterparts, shared insights, and learned about strategies for shaping the future of transportation in Georgia.
“We take pride in being a reliable partner to communities, local governments, and small enterprises navigating the evolving landscape of electric mobility technologies,” stated Matt Bishop, interim vice president of public service and outreach. “Plug Into Georgia helps to interpret research so that communities can be responsive and strategic in achieving their specific needs and objectives.”
The day before the larger summit, GNEM members convened with a collective of research and workforce development collaborators. Gabrielle Pierre, GNEM strategy lead, provided a summary of the current global electric vehicle scenario and discussed forthcoming research and workforce initiatives. GNEM’s report on the status of e-mobility in Georgia is available here.
“GNEM envisions Georgia as a premier ecosystem for electric mobility innovation, cultivating high-paying jobs and economic growth,” remarked Bjorn Birgisson, chair of the School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural, and Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Power E-Mobility Distinguished Professor, and GNEM executive director. “With over $31 billion in investments and 38,000 EV-related jobs generated in the last decade, Georgia has surpassed even traditional automotive hubs like Michigan, solidifying the state’s lead in EV innovation and manufacturing. This summit is one of several efforts reinforcing our international presence in e-mobility.”
Supporters of the fourth annual Electric Mobility Summit included Georgia Power Co., Cox Automotive, Kia Georgia Inc., the Georgia Department of Transportation, the Georgia Automotive Dealers Association, the Georgia Automotive Manufacturers Association, Worksource Georgia (an initiative of the Technical College System of Georgia), Jackson Electric Membership Corp., the UGA College of Engineering, and the UGA Franklin College of Arts and Sciences.
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