How does Alabama transition to electric power in its transportation infrastructure and economy?

Leading automotive, research and energy experts will converge in Birmingham to explore that question in detail during the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA) EV Summit Aug. 14-15.

“Electric vehicles are revolutionizing the automotive industry, innovating how we drive, reinventing the roads we navigate and expanding our expectations on how to get from point A to point B,” said AAMA President Ron Davis. “EVs are also driving economic growth, sparking opportunities for new suppliers and manufacturers specializing in batteries, charging stations and the latest electrification technologies. EVs are paving new pathways for careers in automotive, as the demand for a skilled workforce continues to skyrocket and unique educational opportunities increase.

“At the same time, there are challenges and barriers to widespread EV adoption. We have an impressive list of industry, workforce and research leaders coming together at this EV Summit to help steer us forward,” Davis said.

After an opening reception on Wednesday, Aug. 14, key Summit sessions on Aug. 15 include the panel “Existing Industry Transition Challenges & Opportunities,” moderated by Greg Canfield of Burr & Forman and including representatives from Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and Everged.

“Overcoming Range Anxiety Through Infrastructure Growth” will be moderated by Blake Hardwich of the Energy Institute of Alabama. Panelists include Kenneth Boswell, director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA); Drew Frye of the Tennessee Valley Authority; Hasin Gandhakwala of Alabama Power Company; and Michael Staley of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition.

“Alabama Strategy for Battery Manufacturing & Economic Development” will be moderated by Mike Oatridge of the Alabama Mobility & Power Center and include panelists Bakari Miller of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) and Kevin Taylor of AIDT. Other panels will focus on the “Commercial Vehicle Transition to EV,” “Essential Skills & Training for the EV Workforce” and “Generational Opportunities for Alabama.”

Participants, vendors and sponsors can sign up on the Drive Electric Alabama EV Summit website. “We urge anyone interested in the future of EV transportation to attend this event,” Davis said.