CU-ICAR, SCTAC partner to develop next-generation transportation systems
August 9, 2011
GREENVILLE, SC – August 9, 2011 – Two of Upstate South Carolina’s foremost economic development teams have partnered to drive research into next-generation clean transportation systems and develop an innovative mobility initiative.
The Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) and the S.C. Technology and Aviation Center (SCTAC) will further research into groundbreaking sustainable mobility and connected transportation systems.
Specifically, the partnership will build on the successful public-private business model at CU-ICAR to develop part of the nearby SCTAC property into a test bed for new vehicle and infrastructure technologies.
Research will focus on advanced vehicle-to-infrastructure interaction, such as charging-in-motion and high-bandwidth wireless networks.
The auto industry, in collaboration with the energy and communication industries, is developing powertrains, renewable fuels, lightweight materials and advanced communications that are creating new market opportunities, said CU-ICAR research professor Joachim Taiber.
Next-generation vehicles, which are electric- or biofuel-powered, require bi-directional communication between the road, the energy supply and on-board information technology, Taiber said.
“Batteries can be made smaller and lighter, thereby greatly increasing the efficiency of power transfer, and more importantly, the consumer can worry less about range-related issues,” he said.
Jody Bryson, SCTAC president and chief executive officer, said the new partnership with CU-ICAR aligns perfectly with SCTAC’s ongoing economic development initiatives. SCTAC already is home to a diverse mix of technology and aviation companies and recently acquired 501(c)(3) status for its new National Clean Transportation and Innovation Center.
“This partnership will play a key role developing standards for clean transportation and networked ecosystems,” Bryson said. “Collaboration by academia, industry and other groups will encourage joint research initiatives and help speed innovations to market.”
