California State University Receives $150,000 to Boost EV Battery Engineering Innovation
On December 6, 2024, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) made a significant contribution of $150,000 to California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA). This funding is aimed at supporting Cal State LA's participation in the Battery Workforce Challenge (BWC), a national initiative designed to educate and train the next generation of engineers specializing in electric vehicle (EV) battery technology.
Cal State LA, in partnership with Cerritos College, stands out as one of the only competitors selected from the South Coast Air Basin to compete in this three-year collegiate challenge, which has been endorsed by prominent entities such as the U.S. Department of Energy and Stellantis, and is managed by Argonne National Laboratory.
The Battery Workforce Challenge allows teams from participating universities to engage in hands-on design, development, and integration of advanced battery packs that will power Stellantis Ram ProMaster electric vehicles. Students involved in this competition will gain firsthand experience with cutting-edge battery technology and learn to navigate various industry milestones concerning design, simulation, vehicle integration, and performance testing. Wayne Nastri, Executive Officer of South Coast AQMD, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, ‘This program is more than a competition; it’s a launchpad for future engineers and innovators.’ He emphasized the program’s alignment with their overarching goal of promoting a cleaner, more sustainable future.
The urgency of fostering skilled engineers for the EV sector is underscored by the growing demand for electric vehicles in the South Coast region. The ability to engineer an efficient battery pack is a complex, multifaceted challenge that requires a diverse array of technical skills. The students participating in this challenge are set to equip themselves with indispensable expertise that will propel them into sustainable energy careers. Cal State LA has assembled a proficient team known as the Charging Eagles, comprising 66 dedicated engineering students. During the first year, this ambitious team successfully designed a remarkable 62-kWh battery pack that met stringent safety and performance standards.
As they move into the subsequent phases of the challenge, the team will focus on testing and integrating their innovative battery pack into the Ram ProMaster, competing against other top-tier university teams across key performance metrics. Isabel Builes, Student Project Manager at Cal State LA, shared her excitement regarding the grant, noting, ‘This generous award from South Coast AQMD is a transformative opportunity for our team,’ and highlighted the potential for the funding to expand research efforts and enhance student involvement.
Dr. David Blekhman, the Technical Director of Cal State LA’s Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility and co-advisor to the Charging Eagles, affirmed the significance of this program in training engineers who align with the goals of South Coast AQMD in promoting clean transportation initiatives. He referenced previous support for Cal State LA’s EcoCAR3 project and expressed gratitude for the sustained partnership with South Coast AQMD leading to this new initiative.
The funding from South Coast AQMD is strategic, assisting in covering essential hardware, software, and travel expenses, which collectively empower the team to excel in their competitive pursuits. This partnership is significant for building a workforce prepared to meet the domestic demand for electric vehicle battery design and development. Moreover, Cal State LA has secured over $500,000 in additional funding from sponsors, including the Sikand Center for Sustainable and Intelligent Infrastructure, ensuring a robust support system.
The initiative led by South Coast AQMD underscores its critical role in improving air quality while fostering educational partnerships tailored towards the next generation of clean energy advocates. For more updates on air quality and innovations in sustainable technology, interested parties can visit the South Coast AQMD’s website, download their app, or follow their social media channels.
Cal State LA, in partnership with Cerritos College, stands out as one of the only competitors selected from the South Coast Air Basin to compete in this three-year collegiate challenge, which has been endorsed by prominent entities such as the U.S. Department of Energy and Stellantis, and is managed by Argonne National Laboratory.
The Battery Workforce Challenge allows teams from participating universities to engage in hands-on design, development, and integration of advanced battery packs that will power Stellantis Ram ProMaster electric vehicles. Students involved in this competition will gain firsthand experience with cutting-edge battery technology and learn to navigate various industry milestones concerning design, simulation, vehicle integration, and performance testing. Wayne Nastri, Executive Officer of South Coast AQMD, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, ‘This program is more than a competition; it’s a launchpad for future engineers and innovators.’ He emphasized the program’s alignment with their overarching goal of promoting a cleaner, more sustainable future.
The urgency of fostering skilled engineers for the EV sector is underscored by the growing demand for electric vehicles in the South Coast region. The ability to engineer an efficient battery pack is a complex, multifaceted challenge that requires a diverse array of technical skills. The students participating in this challenge are set to equip themselves with indispensable expertise that will propel them into sustainable energy careers. Cal State LA has assembled a proficient team known as the Charging Eagles, comprising 66 dedicated engineering students. During the first year, this ambitious team successfully designed a remarkable 62-kWh battery pack that met stringent safety and performance standards.
As they move into the subsequent phases of the challenge, the team will focus on testing and integrating their innovative battery pack into the Ram ProMaster, competing against other top-tier university teams across key performance metrics. Isabel Builes, Student Project Manager at Cal State LA, shared her excitement regarding the grant, noting, ‘This generous award from South Coast AQMD is a transformative opportunity for our team,’ and highlighted the potential for the funding to expand research efforts and enhance student involvement.
Dr. David Blekhman, the Technical Director of Cal State LA’s Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility and co-advisor to the Charging Eagles, affirmed the significance of this program in training engineers who align with the goals of South Coast AQMD in promoting clean transportation initiatives. He referenced previous support for Cal State LA’s EcoCAR3 project and expressed gratitude for the sustained partnership with South Coast AQMD leading to this new initiative.
The funding from South Coast AQMD is strategic, assisting in covering essential hardware, software, and travel expenses, which collectively empower the team to excel in their competitive pursuits. This partnership is significant for building a workforce prepared to meet the domestic demand for electric vehicle battery design and development. Moreover, Cal State LA has secured over $500,000 in additional funding from sponsors, including the Sikand Center for Sustainable and Intelligent Infrastructure, ensuring a robust support system.
The initiative led by South Coast AQMD underscores its critical role in improving air quality while fostering educational partnerships tailored towards the next generation of clean energy advocates. For more updates on air quality and innovations in sustainable technology, interested parties can visit the South Coast AQMD’s website, download their app, or follow their social media channels.
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