USU launches NSF-funded engineering research center for electrified transportation

The National Science Foundation has awarded Utah State University a five-year, $26 million grant, renewable to 10-year, $50.6 million, to develop an international research center dedicated to advancing sustainable, electrified transportation by developing new infrastructure that facilitates widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). The center is expected to raise more than $200 million over the next decade in government and industry support.

The center—named ASPIRE (Advancing Sustainability through Powered Infrastructure for Roadway Electrification)—is designated as an Engineering Research Center, NSF’s flagship program for transformative, multi-institutional research. After 10 years, ASPIRE will achieve graduated status and will continue as a self-sustaining research center.

Key to the sustainable and widespread adoption of EVs is the development of charging technology that is built into roadways and parking facilities. ASPIRE researchers are developing holistic solutions that eliminate range and charging as obstacles to the broader electrification of all vehicles.