The University of Michigan Board of Regents has approved a significant increase in battery research facilities. This decision confirms a trend worldwide to improve the quality of energy storage. Details are contained in the official announcement that we link to below. But will other North American colleges follow suit, as Michigan UNI doubles up its battery laboratories and auxiliary facilities?
Michigan Adds 25,000 Square Feet For Battery Research
The Michigan University Board has agreed to expand the battery research facilities, at a cost of $60 million. They are tapping into funds from a State of Michigan contract, that established the Electric Vehicle Center in 2023. The new facility on the North Campus will incorporate:
- Three battery laboratories, plus additional auxiliary support areas.
- A substation, and facility for battery cell testing among other capabilities.
- Minor renovations within the existing Transport Research Institute.
- A new on-site fire hydrant to enhance safety, so important nowadays.
This development will add additional muscle to the North American battery supply chain, as Michigan UNI doubles up its battery research capacity. The new laboratory will be in addition to the soon-to-open University of Michigan battery lab extension, supporting academic and industry researchers from around the world.
Doubling Up Battery Research at Michigan UNI
“This new facility will accelerate innovation, and strengthen our partnerships with industry,” says Alan Taub of the University EV Center. “It will help develop the highly skilled workforce we need to drive the future of electric mobility.
Taub is director of the University EV Center. He is also professor of materials science and engineering, of mechanical engineering, and of macromolecular science and engineering in the College of Engineering.
The 8,000-square-foot lab extension, already nearing completion, will house a new pilot line, according to the official announcement. There, users will be able to manufacture battery cells on a small scale for testing.
An industry-leading automated laser welding system will then allow them to assemble, and then test these battery modules, and battery packs composed of those cells.
More Information
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