Q&A With the President: Georgia Tech's Key Role In the EV Revolution
By: Jennifer Herseim | Categories: Alumni Association News
Rivian and Hyundai Motor Group are two of the latest companies to announce plans for manufacturing plants in Georgia dedicated to EV-related projects. Georgia Tech’s new partnership with Hyundai is expected to further enhance the Institute’s contributions to the growing EV industry. We sat down with Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera, MS Psy 93, PhD Psy 95, to discuss how Yellow Jackets are helping solve challenges facing the growing industry.
Q: How is Tech contributing to the electrification of the automotive industry?
A: Electric cars are going to require batteries that are lighter, denser, and longer-lasting. We have deep expertise in batteries that will be key to the future. One of the best examples is professor Gleb Yushin’s research that led to the spin-off, Sila Nanotechnologies, which has developed a nanocomposite silicon anode that significantly improves battery performance. Sila now has a contract with Mercedes-Benz for their new electric G-Class SUV and is building two factories. From industrial engineering to business to our work in sustainability and energy, we have a lot to offer. We have a chance to create a full ecosystem in Georgia that powers electric mobility in the U.S. and around the world.
Q: What challenges are researchers and alumni helping to solve?
A: There are tons of complex questions that will shape the future of this industry. Questions about the materials and minerals in the batteries and where they come from, about the sources of the energy that goes into producing an electric vehicle, about the life-cycle of batteries, and much more. These are issues that need to be solved through innovation and new technology, but also through smart policy and new business models. And that’s where we come in, too. From alumni who are shaping energy policy, production, and distribution in our state to entrepreneurs like Aaron, IAML 08, and Stephanie Luque, IAML 08, who are building new businesses like EnviroSpark to increase the availability of EV charging infrastructure.
Q: Tech introduced a hybrid Stinger bus this year. How is Tech transitioning to electric mobility?
A: Our goal is to electrify our whole fleet. We’re working with the Center for Transportation and the Environment, founded and run by alumni, to work through how to make that a reality. It’s not just an issue of technology. It also means looking at routes and the charging infrastructure, which requires a lot of systems engineering and creative financing.
Q: Speaking of getting around on campus, what was your first car?
A: For my first year, I tried to make it without a car. Then it became clear it was going to be hard to survive in Atlanta at that time without a car, so I bought a used Mazda 626 from a graduating student. It was an absolute piece of junk! I would take Beth [Dr. Beth Cabrera] on a date, and it wouldn’t make it all the way to the restaurant. We’d have to walk! Now I drive a plug-in hybrid, but most of the time I ride an electric bike, which has turned out to be more fun than driving!
