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The domestic electric transportation and battery sector has been presented with a significant growth opportunity as the U.S. adapts to the emerging global clean economy. However, to be successful in the near future, the electric mobility sector will require extensive research and expertise, establishment of a strong domestic electric vehicle (EV) value chain, and rapid infrastructure development to address potential barriers to EV ownership, hesitancy from OEMs and suppliers to invest in the EV market, and lack of publicly accessible charging.

MAGNET has been working to meet these challenges by bringing together the joint strengths of academia, industry, and government to create a collaborative EV ecosystem in the Southeastern United States.

BRIGHTER INNOVATION

MAGNET is a tri-state research and innovation hub established by The University of Alabama, Mississippi State University, and the University of Georgia, along with multi-state public utility, Southern Company. It consists of a rapidly growing list of 112 partners from industry, academia, and government, all of which are committed to supporting MAGNET through cross-sector collaboration.

MAGNET’s Region of Service includes the northern portions of three states and is located in the Battery Belt, as defined by a recent influx of EV battery production facilities.

MAGNET will drive a coordinated approach to the EV transition, stimulating a regional innovation ecosystem that triggers investment in domestic EV manufacturing

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Build Upon Existing Success

The tri-state approach is a crucial competitive advantage as interstate relationships need to be managed for creation of a battery innovation ecosystem. MAGNET will leverage industry partners’ manufacturing and research facilities to support the increase of EV commercialization opportunities, building upon the existing initiatives of research facilities and accelerator and entrepreneurship programs.

Develop EV Adoption Tool

Use of a consumer-based EV adoption tool, the Electric Vehicle Outlook and Leads Verification Engine (EVOLVE), which is able to forecast workforce needs in the emerging EV market. This tool may also inform workforce curriculum development and training, making sure that the Southeast is best suited for forecasted capital investment.

Lead Use-Inspired Research

Investing in use-inspired research, i.e., focusing on what is needed to support and accelerate a domestic EV supply chain. MAGNET unites the abilities of three R1 universities to tackle critical EV-related research in order to accelerate innovations in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and sustainable materials, overall strengthening the U.S. position in the global EV market.

Inform Policy Makers

Using input from academics, industry and government to inform policy makers on strategies and methods to not only improve consumer-driven EV adoptions but also attract significant growth forecasted in this sector in the short term. CAPx investment in the battery industry is expected to hit $1.6 trillion by 2040, and investment in infrastructure is expected to hit $2.1 trillion by the same year.

MAGNET's Region of Service aims to seize the moment by leveraging the existing momentum and competitive advantages

An embedded industry network and key manufacturing infrastructure

The Southeast produces about 2.5 million vehicles a year and has attracted automakers such as Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai, and Kia. The presence of critical materials needed for EV manufacturing, such as graphite, lithium, and aluminum, offers potential for the area to emerge as the Battery Belt.

A line of shovels breaking ground in fresh dirt

A premier location and potential for continued economic and workforce development

The automotive boom is reshaping local economies. Many rural and low-income communities, long affected by high unemployment, now benefit from new job opportunities, infrastructure development, re-skilling curricula, and workforce training programs.

MAGNET presents a lighthouse investment synthesizing necessary expertise from industrial, academic, and governmental sectors, enabling the Southeastern U.S. to emerge as a global leader in the critical EV manufacturing industry over the next decade.

Learn more about how you can play a role in MAGNET's vision of establishing the Battery Belt as the national epicenter of electric transportation by connecting industry to breakthrough R&D innovations, supporting resilient manufacturing, and developing a skilled workforce to ensure national security and lasting domestic prosperity for future generations.

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Learn more about how you can play a role in MAGNET's vision of establishing the Battery Belt as the national epicenter of electric transportation by connecting industry to breakthrough R&D innovations, supporting resilient manufacturing, and developing a skilled workforce to ensure national security and lasting domestic prosperity for future generations.

Connect With Us