It’s electric! AMP Center forms from new partnership between UA, Alabama Power + Mercedes-Benz US

The market is loving electric cars, right now. So UA, Alabama Power and Mercedes-Benz have partnered up to create a research and development center just for electric vehicles. Say hello to the new Alabama Mobility and Power Center (AMP Center). Read more to see what it will bring to Alabama.

World-class research on electric cars

Recently, the Board of Trustees at UA approved forming the Alabama Mobility and Power Center—or AMP Center for short. The goal is for this partnership is to become a world-class research and development hub for electric cars.

Some of the partnership’s goals include:

• sustain modern mobility (like having the latest batteries)
• keep Alabama up to date with the latest power tech
• delvelop charging infrastructure (for maxium charge!)
• manage large-scale growth of electric cars

Because of the booming electric car industry, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. wants to help Alabama have the top center for electric car tech.

“[Mercedes] location here in Alabama is among the Mercedes-Benz locations on three continents that next year will build electric vehicles and highly efficient battery systems. Our partnership with the University of Alabama and Alabama Power through the AMP Center is a collaboration that will help position Alabama to be a leader in electric vehicle innovation.”

Michael Goebel, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc.

FUN FACT: Mercedes is getting ready to go all-electric by the end of the decade—so that’s 2030!

What to expect

Alabama’s auto industry is booming. So we’re excited to see it grow even more. In fact, Alabama is third in the nation for auto exports—$7.5 billion of Alabama-made vehicles and parts were exported in 2018.

But what can you expect from the AMP Center? You’ll def see more high-quality jobs in Alabama. The partnership will not only create more jobs but will benefit students as well. This growth is exciting because it keeps Alabama’s Department of Commerce’s promise of 6,000 more jobs in the Alabama auto industry.

As part of the partnership, UA will create a national training center for students and state/local officials. That’s electric!

You can find this center at UA’s Smart Communities and Innovation Building.

“Alabama has the potential to be among the nation’s leaders in transportation electrification. If we have adequate skilled workforce and a commitment to leadership in electric vehicle and supporting power grid technologies. AMP Center provides a great opportunity.”

Dan Blakley, associate vice president for economic and business engagement

Drive electric, Alabama. It’s the future.

Curious about the growth of Alabama electric vehicles? Tell us what you think about driving electric on social @TheBamaBuzz.