Electrifying the Future of Transportation
Lead the Charge. Create Your Impact.

ASPIRE…

began as a faculty-led National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Research Center (ERC) dedicated to tackling urgent and complex challenges in electrified transportation systems. With steady growth and the backing of diverse funding sources, ASPIRE has expanded far beyond its academic roots. In the coming months, it will stand as a professional-staff-led nonprofit organization. With your support, ASPIRE will become the trusted guide shaping a smarter, and more connected transportation future for the nation.

Industry & Ecosystem Growth

Propel ASPIRE to the next tier as a nonprofit with national influence across transportation and electric utility industries.

• Grand Challenge: Champion the first 1,000-mile intelligent electrified transportation system — a moonshot initiative demonstrating the future of connected and reliable mobility.
• P3 Pilots: Drive innovation through public–private partnerships that accelerate advanced technology deployment from research testbeds into real-world transportation systems.
• Standards Development: Lead the creation of charging, grid, and infrastructure standards to ensure interoperability, reliability, and long-term investment confidence across industries.
• Convening Power: Harness ASPIRE’s role in bringing together industry, government, and academia to secure commitments, shape policy, and guide national electrification strategies.

Research Advancement

Recruit and retain top faculty and student talent in electrified transportation.

• Elevate Technology, Application, Policy, Deployment (TAPD) areas of ASPIRE by advancing breakthroughs in technology, shaping practical applications, informing policy, and driving large-scale deployment of electrified transportation systems.
• Expand cutting-edge research into AI-driven, connected, and electric transportation to ensure U.S. leadership in innovation and global competitiveness.
• Accelerate research by expanding our infrastructure to enable energy and transportation software development, simulation testbeds, and hardware testing and research services.

Workforce Development

Broaden career horizons and build a pipeline of globally competitive leaders, innovators, and skilled workers.

• ASPIRE Student Associations provide hands-on leadership experience, professional development, and direct engagement with industry leaders—preparing students to become the next generation of innovators in electrified transportation.
• Mobile training labs, K–12 outreach, summer programs, and internships introduce young learners to STEM careers in clean mobility.
• Collaborations with trade unions, technical colleges, and emergency responders deliver hands-on safety and technical training for the workforce that will build and sustain tomorrow’s transportation systems.

Community Engagement

Drive community-centered programs that foster economic opportunity and create healthier, more connected futures.

• Community outreach events, ASPIRE facility tours, and educational programs allow us to engage the wider community and build ETS literacy.
• Partnerships unlock electrified transportation benefits—cleaner air, reduced costs, and improved quality of life—for all communities.
• We expand our reach to rural and underserved regions with demonstrations, training programs, and workforce pathways.
• Public forums, listening sessions, and on-site stakeholder facility tours help us meet people where they are, gather feedback, and connect local needs with state and national electrification strategies.