Automated-Connected-Electrified Transportation Cluster Coalition
Coalition Lead Applicant: Virginia Tech
Region (applicant-defined): Southwest and Southern Virginia (Alleghany, Bland, Botetourt, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Pulaski, Roanoke, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe counties)
Cluster Sector(s): Advanced Manufacturing; Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics
Coalition Overarching Narrative (applicant submitted) (PDF)
Project Description:
Virginia Tech leads a coalition in the Southern and Southwest Virginia region that aims to support the local transportation and logistics cluster and accelerate the adoption of electric and automated vehicles. The coalition plans to build upon its existing strengths in vehicle manufacturing, digital technology R&D, and vehicle test and evaluation. The coalition proposes to support this cluster through three distinct projects providing more accessible technology testbeds and networks for tech transfer, business development support, and talent development services. If provided an implementation grant, the coalition aims to catalyze regional economic growth by aligning regional assets, accelerating the adoption of critical vehicle technologies, and achieving global prominence in automated electric delivery.