Electrifying Indiana’s automotive expertise
The beginnings of it were somewhat quiet…with the technology seeming too futuristic to some. But visionaries have held fast to their belief of how electric cars will transform the automotive industry. Today, the future doesn’t seem quite as far away. And Indiana—including Indianapolis—is well positioned to lead that future as the electric car center of the U.S.
In fact, while the Hoosier capital has mockingly been called “Indiana No Place.” The truth is, when it comes to electric car expertise and experience, there’s “no place” that occupies the space quite like this region of the country.
Consider this:
- Indiana was the second-largest recipient of federal funds for advanced battery and electric drive projects. Remy Inc. and EnerDel were among the Central Indiana companies who received federal grants.
The state is a leader in developing and manufacturing plug-in vehicles and their components. One of the nation’s first national infrastructures for plug-in stations is starting right here in Indy.
- EnerDel – with facilities in Indianapolis and Noblesville – is the only U.S.-based manufacturer of commercial-scale, automotive-grade, lithium-ion systems. (The lithium-ion battery chemistries and technology also offers advantages in energy infrastructure, renewable energy, military, aerospace, industrial and other growing markets.)
- In nearby Pendleton, Remy Inc.’s High Voltage Hairpin technology could revolutionize the way in which electric vehicles – from hybrid to pure electric – will be manufactured going forward.
- Bright Automotive in Anderson has been contracted to provide electric vehicles to the U.S. Postal Service.
- Elkhart, Indiana, boasts the new U.S. production center for Think, the Norwegian-based manufacturer that hopes to charge into the emerging market for battery-electric vehicles. Think hopes to be turning out as many as 20,000 battery-electric vehicles, or BEVs, annually by 2013.
- LC3, a small producer of neighborhood electric vehicles and modified golf carts has Indiana roots in Fort Wayne.
- Cummins, Delphi, Allison Transmission and Caterpillar Remy also are building some of the most innovative electric/hybrid applications available today.
- And the Energy Systems Network, a partnership of private firms, research institutions and public agencies, is focused on bringing new energy technologies to market by leveraging Indiana’s strong manufacturing sector, R&D capabilities and advanced energy systems.
These are just a handful of the reasons – both large and small – why Indiana is the place to be for companies involved in the development of electric cars. Indeed, with the established brain trust here – both in technology and manufacturing – as well as a trained workforce, it’s easy to see how Indiana has electrified itself as the “electric vehicle state.”