What’s Happening: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Stellantis are initiating the Battery Workforce Challenge, a program focused on building the next generation of engineers, technicians, and workers for the electric vehicle and battery industry. The challenge will encompass a three-year collegiate engineering competition, vocational training, youth education in STEM fields, and career and technical education.
Why It Matters: The DOE has set an ambitious target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and advanced battery development plays a crucial role in meeting this goal. A skilled domestic workforce with hands-on experience and knowledge is required to address the increasing demand for electric vehicle and battery industry professionals.
Key Points:
- The Battery Workforce Challenge is managed by Argonne National Laboratory for DOE and co-sponsored by Stellantis.
- Deputy Assistant Secretary for Sustainable Transportation and Fuels at the U.S. Department of Energy, Michael Berube, emphasized the importance of a skilled workforce in the global battery supply chain.
- The Battery Workforce Challenge will kick off in fall 2023, with a student competition series for universities and vocational schools across North America to design, build, test, and integrate an advanced electric vehicle battery into a future Stellantis vehicle.
- Stellantis North America COO, Mark Stewart, mentioned that the challenge aligns with the company’s Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, aiming to reach carbon net zero emissions by 2038.
- Participants will gain experience in battery design, simulation, controls development, testing, vehicle integration, and demonstration, as well as valuable project management, communications, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
- Additional workforce and education initiatives will support the challenge, including a national Career-Connected Learning Management System to provide accessible training for learners across the education pipeline.
Bottom Line: The Battery Workforce Challenge, a partnership between the DOE and Stellantis, aims to address the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the electric vehicle and battery industry. This comprehensive program will foster the development of the next generation of engineers, technicians, and workers, ultimately supporting the U.S. in its pursuit of net-zero emissions by 2050.
