Cleveland, TN: The Smart Factory Institute at the PIE Center held the Electric Mobility Innovations Conference, focused on the future of sustainable transportation. The conference, held on January 31st, came on the heels of the successful TEAM TN Summit and brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts in the field to discuss the latest advancements and opportunities in electric mobility.
Building on the momentum of the TEAM TN summit, which highlighted the importance of technology, entrepreneurship, and advanced manufacturing in Tennessee's economy, the Electric Mobility Innovations Conference explored the potential of electric mobility to drive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and job creation.
"We are thrilled to host the Electric Mobility Innovations Conference following the success of the TEAM TN summit," said Denise (Rice) Hall, Director of the Smart Factory Institute. "This conference provides an excellent opportunity to build on the discussions and collaborations initiated at the summit and further explore the potential of electric mobility in driving economic growth and environmental sustainability."
The event featured engaging presentations, interactive panel discussions, and networking opportunities for attendees to connect with industry professionals and thought leaders.
The highlight of the conference was a keynote address by Alan Amici, a renowned expert from the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Mr. Amici, shared his expertise and research in electric vehicle technology and provided insights into the impact of sustainable transportation on the automotive industry. He talked about the “unprecedented investment in electric vehicles by automakers across North America” in the last three years and the continued “explosive growth” of EV sales despite a slight “softening relative to the previous expectation.” Mr. Amici also presented some of the challenges to auto makers and to other industries and organizations to make EVs accessible to consumers and to continue “innovation in product and process” in many avenues such as developing recycling programs for lithium batteries and reducing the weight of the vehicle itself.
The conference also featured a panel discussion with representatives from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), and Seven States Power, a leading organization in promoting clean energy solutions. The panelists shared the projects they’re working on in each of their organizations and discussed the strategies for advancing electric mobility, including announcing the Tennessee Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (TEVI) awards for statewide electric vehicle charging stations.
Additionally, the conference included a presentation by Jessie Hensley, CEO of PowerUp America, a non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating the transition to a clean energy future and a major recipient of the (TEVI) award. Hensley shed light on the latest breakthroughs in electric mobility infrastructure.
"We believe that electric mobility is the future of transportation, and events like this conference play a vital role in accelerating its adoption," said Jesse Hensley, CEO of Power up America. "We are excited to participate and share our insights on the potential of electric vehicles to drive a sustainable and prosperous future."
The next signature event is Automation, Maintenance & Reliability scheduled for March 21st at the Smart Factory Institute in Cleveland. Registration is now open, and space is limited.
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About Smart Factory Institute: The Smart Factory Institute is a business-driven effort guided by the Tennessee Manufacturers Association driving innovation and technology in Tennessee and the southeastern United States. The Institute, operated by Peak Performance Inc. and located at the Bradley County Partnerships in Industry and Education (PIE) Center, is an exclusive U.S. institute providing manufacturers with connections, collaborative relationships, and certifications for improving manufacturing processes by providing them with access to the latest technology in advanced manufacturing. The global network of Smart Factory Institutes by Deutsche Messe is comprised of leading companies and organizations in advanced manufacturing. For more information, visit www.smartfactoryinstitute.com.
About Peak Performance: Peak Performance Inc. is a workforce training and consulting firm specializing in incumbent worker training for the manufacturing industry, serving businesses across the country from their headquarters in Cleveland, TN. Peak Performance equips its customers to transform their operational strategy through comprehensive, sustainable solutions in people and processes. Their services are unique, customizing the training to their client’s needs, and using real-world simulations and instructors from the manufacturing industry. For more information, visit www.peakperformanceinc.com.