As reported by UL Solutions, Jennifer Scanlon, president and CEO of UL Solutions, recently chaired a panel at the Illinois EV Industry Day, focusing on the utilization of federal incentives and policies to encourage growth in the electric vehicle manufacturing sector.
The event aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration in the burgeoning field of electric vehicle (EV) advanced manufacturing.
An estimated 250 attendees participated in the discussion titled “Beyond Carbon – Utilizing Federal Incentives & Policies to Grow Industry.” The audience was comprised of representatives from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and companies within the OEM supply chain for EVs.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker also featured in a fireside chat discussing the expansive opportunities for OEMs within the charging infrastructure and supply chains.
Scanlon, in her capacity as co-chair of Innovate Illinois, a coalition of business leaders, educational institutions, and government officials, led the panel.
Her introductory remarks highlighted the significant societal shifts towards clean energy.
Scanlon expressed: “Society is in the middle of a once-in-a-generation shift as the Electrification of Everything disrupts the way we generate, store, transmit and consume energy.”
The panelists were asked to share their strategies for leveraging collaboration to foster innovation and unlock further opportunities in the EV sector.
Panelists included Chris Meister of the Illinois Finance Authority, Nathaniel Horadam from the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program of the U.S. Department of Energy, Nathan Niese from the Center for Climate Change and Electrification in Automotive at Boston Consulting Group, Tony Reinhart of Ford’s Government Affairs, and Dr. Charles John Bopp IV of the Illinois State Geological Survey.
The panel discussion not only underscored the importance of collaboration and communication in technological innovation but also shared approaches to accessing resources that can drive growth in the EV ecosystem.
The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center hosted the industry event on April 25, 2024, at the Westin O’Hare in Rosemont, Illinois.
Safety science expertise has positioned UL Solutions as a central figure in the EV ecosystem for over three decades, aiming to be the most trusted partner in science-based safety, security, and sustainability.
The Illinois EV Industry Day serves as a pertinent example of how industry and government can collaborate effectively to propel the electric vehicle sector.
With federal incentives and supportive policies, there is a clear path forward for significant advancements in this technology-driven field.
Events like these are crucial for the continuous dialogue and knowledge exchange that underpin the successful expansion of the EV market.
