CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – The University of Illinois has had a long-standing relationship with IDOT dating back to the 1940s, which has provided students with more opportunities for transportation.
Chicago is considered the hub of transportation in America, and now as more electric vehicles join the fleet, researchers are looking to adapt the industry to minimize carbon emissions.
“The sector that’s contributing to the emission is transportation at 29% of that,” said Dr. Imad Al Qadi, Director of U of I’s Center for Transportation.
Dr. Qadi said the state of Illinois is even higher at around 33%. That’s why IDOT has continued its partnership by signing a $48 million agreement, which is aimed at growing sustainability research.
However, Dr. Qadi said there are more factors to electric vehicles hidden under the hood than meets the eye.
“It’s either we’re going to be increasing the weight limit of our trucks, which is not good for our bridges and our roads. The other one is to reduce the amount of goods that we are carrying,” he said. “And this is the dilemma, because this is not appropriate for the manufacturers.”
Through the partnership, the center has funded more than 600 graduate and many undergraduate students. Now, Dr. Qadi said they’re working on ways to distribute the weight of the battery, among other projects aimed at balancing challenges.
“Charging from other vehicles as we go, as we drive, like the wireless charging between trucks — so, these are all exciting things for the next generation of mobility,” Dr. Qadi added.
Dr. Qadi said shifting into the electric space is a continuous challenge and this money gives students opportunities to break barriers in what is most likely the future of the transportation sector.
IDOT and the U of I have collaborated to complete almost 320 projects. Officials say 40 are scheduled to be in-progress this fall.
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