More than 250 representatives from industry, government, and academia gathered in Athens for the fifth annual Electric Mobility Summit on April 14 and 15 at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, according to a May 11 announcement. The event was organized by the Georgia Network for Electric Mobility at the University of Georgia and focused on integrating new technologies into transportation systems across Georgia and the Southeast.
The summit addressed key challenges facing electric mobility as it transitions from early growth to broader market adoption. Attendees discussed how emerging technology can be effectively implemented within real-world infrastructure while managing increasing complexity in supply chains and workforce development.
Opening remarks were delivered by Alton Standifer, vice provost for academic and community engagement; Alessandro (Alex) Orso, dean of UGA’s College of Engineering; and Jaime Camelio, executive director of GNEM. “At GNEM, the mission is to accelerate electric and future mobility adoption by advancing research and development, strengthening community partnerships, increasing EV and autonomous mobility awareness and preparing the next generation of talent,” Camelio said. “The vision is to cultivate a world-leading ecosystem for electric mobility here in Georgia.” Standifer said: “Through the Georgia Network for E-Mobility, we’re working to identify key gaps, support coordination and enable execution at scale. Our initial work here at UGA has evolved into a statewide effort including what is now Georgia’s premier cross-sector convening for electric, autonomous and future mobility.” Gabrielle Pierre, GNEM director of strategy and partnerships said: “This is the end of easy tailwinds in electric mobility. The challenge now is system alignment, and autonomy will only intensify that pressure. The regions that win will be those that execute and coordinate the system most effectively, and Georgia is already demonstrating what that looks like.”
The event featured speakers such as Stuart Countess from Kia Georgia Inc., Joe George from Cox Automotive Inc., Arthur Tripp Jr. from Georgia Power Company as keynote presenter along with more than thirty panelists representing public sector entities as well as private companies. Live demonstrations included eight electric vehicles from manufacturers like Kia, Rivian, Lucid,and Tesla; robotics systems; fire safety technologies; plus Carver Fire’s ELSA liquid nitrogen battery fire suppression system.
Founded in 2022,G NEM brings together leadership across multiple university colleges with an aim toward innovation,research,and economic development throughout both state-wideand national networks.The summit drew participantsfrom over ninety-five organizations reflecting broad engagement across sectors.
Sponsors included major companies such as Georgia Power Company,Cox Automotive,KiaGeorgiaInc.,theGeorgiaAutomotiveManufacturersAssociation,the Technical College SystemofGeorgia’sWorksourceGeorgia initiative,theUGACollegeofEngineering,theUGAFranklinCollegeofArtsandSciences,andtheGeorgiaAutomotiveDealersAssociation.The full conference agenda,a recorded plenary session,and whitepaper are available online.
