Public Open House: Exploring the Future of Transportation

Families and friends from the community and beyond explore the displays and demonstrations at ASPIRE’s research facility in North Logan, Utah.

On July 17, ASPIRE opened its doors at the Electric Vehicle and Roadway (EVR) facility for the public to explore the future of electrified transportation. From ozobots to robots, EV simulation models to drones, and E-bikes to the first-ever in-motion charging electrified box truck, participants discovered firsthand the wide gamut of electrification innovations that ASPIRE and key partners are developing.

For example, Miranda Lorenc with the Institute for Land, Water, and Air at Utah State University appreciated the opportunity to learn more about ASPIRE’s projects and to connect attendees with resources to stay up to date on the innovative research being conducted across Utah.

“I enjoyed seeing all the different projects that ASPIRE is involved in, particularly in the Electric Road System demonstrations, which I had heard about a few years ago,” she said. “I am really excited to see how it is being implemented around Utah and where the technology will progress from here.”

When asked what they were most excited for in electrified transportation, one participant shared, “This is science fiction becoming reality.”

And that’s what the whole event is about, according to ASPIRE’s Program Director Dustin Maughan.

“A few years ago, it was rare to see an EV on the road or the highway, let alone in your neighborhood,” said Maughan. “But electrification is so much more than just personal cars. At ASPIRE, we’re focused on technology that improves vehicles of all sizes, as well as making energy use more efficient, lowering the costs to move people and goods, and fostering quality of life improvements in Utah and beyond.”

This reality was supported by several of ASPIRE’s partners in electrification, who set up additional displays to depict our collaborative efforts towards electrification.

“The open house showcased so many great innovations and highlighted that the work going on at ASPIRE is a major step forward for transportation electrification — even aviation!” Senior Associate Transportation Engineer Kelbe Goupil from Utah Clean Energy said. “We need all hands on deck to improve our air quality and public health, and ASPIRE is leading the way with research and deployment of zero-emissions technology.”

Electrified Aviation is an area that many people are excited to learn more about, according to representatives from USU’s AggieAir and 47G, who presented on advanced air mobility opportunities.

ASPIRE students and faculty alike had the opportunity to share the importance of their exciting research with hundreds of attendees.

“I enjoyed talking about a better future for all of us to look forward to,” said PhD student Christopher Allred. “I also enjoyed seeing people get excited about technology and robotic research. They especially liked the dancing robots.”

The dancing robots and other hands-on demonstrations thrilled parents and children alike.

Remotely controlled by one of the ASPIRE students, the robot Spot dances for the crowd.

“I loved teaching both kids and parents about magnetism at one of the STEM demonstration booths,” Kade Wilson, an engineering student at ASPIRE, said. “While explaining these scientific principles, and how it applies to the innovations we are developing at ASPIRE, it was so fun to watch their eyes light up with excitement and fascination.”

These student and faculty-led demonstrations were an inspiration to all who attended.

“My grandkids had a great time at the event,” said Morgan County Commissioner Blaine Fackrell. “The students were wonderful. My granddaughter now wants to be an engineer. I really hope she will do that.”

Overall, the Open House offered a remarkable glimpse into the ASPIRE’s groundbreaking research and advanced technologies, encouraging participants to learn more about the electrified path into our future.

“I want to come up again when I can learn anything more you can teach me,” Fackrell said. “The whole thing was totally fascinating! I really hope the ASPIRE team can make our future better!”

For attendees and others who would also love to learn more, reach out to Dustin Maughan for more details or request an EVR facility tour today for your school or organization.

Center Director Regan Zane presents with enthusiasm at the ASPIRE Open House.

Center Director Regan Zane presents to a group of guests about ASPIRE's purpose at the Open House on July 17.

A young child colors her 3D printed car.

Young guest spins the wheel to learn about energy generation.

Child explores ASPIRE student's demonstration of a Smart Grid Model.

Children learn from ASPIRE researcher's demonstration about magnets.

ASPIRE student poses in front of his video highlight playing on the TV.

A glowing ozobot follows the path a guest drew.

Representatives from Utah State University's Engineering School host a table at the ASPIRE Open House.

Children at the Open House explore the EV in-motion charging driving simulations.

Guest and ASPIRE student watch EV driving simulation.

ASPIRE student explains the Utah Electrification Initiative to an Open House guest.

Family gathers around a model EV track as ASPIRE student explains what is occuring.

ASPIRE student explains dynamic wireless power transfer that enable in-motion charging.

Children pet Spot, the yellow robotic dog.

Three dancing robots fascinate guests at the ASPIRE Open House.

ASPIRE student explains his research to a guest at the July 17th Open House.

Guests interact with representatives from the UIPA table.

Several electric vehicles with their hoods up for viewing at the EVR Open House.

Guests observe the EVs on display outside the EVR at the Open House on July 17.

ASPIRE student serves food to guest at the ASPIRE Open House.

People gather under the white canopy to eat a delicious dinner of pulled pork/chicken sandwiches.

The Class 6 and Class 8 electrified trucks on the track outside the EVR at the Open House.

Guests wait in line for the opportunity to ride in the in-motion charging Class 8 semi truck.

A side view of the electrified Class 8, in-motion charging semi-truck.

The first in-motion charging Class 6 box truck makes its way around the track outside the EVR.

Guests wait in line to ride in the fully electric Class 6 box truck.

Guests ride in the fully electric Class 6 Box Truck.

The first in-motion charging Class 6 box truck driving around the bend of the track outside the EVR.

Children pose with the driver in the Class 8 Box truck.

Up close view of guests riding in the fully electric box truck.

Children stand in line to ride in the remote control RealTree Cars.

ASPIRE student explains to young drivers how the EV driving simulation works.

A fully electric forklift displays a banner of all of the core ASPIRE campuses.

Tyler Munk excitedly smiles as he sits in the driver's seat of the fully electric Class 8 semi-truck.

Greeting guests as they wait for a ride on the in-motion charging Class 8 electrified semi-truck.

Girl rides in remote-controlled RealTree car.

About ASPIRE & Utah Electrification:

Headquartered at Utah State University, ASPIRE is a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center. ASPIRE has demonstrated expertise in developing, implementing, and managing a range of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure projects and fostering strong partnerships across the EV charging ecosystem. The center integrates multidisciplinary expertise across electrical, civil, and mechanical engineering, as well as economics, social science, and policy. In 2023, ASPIRE was designated the lead institution in building Utah’s Intelligent Electrified Transportation Plan. More information on the center can be found at aspire.usu.edu, and more on Utah’s electrification efforts can be found at utahelectrification.com.

Contacts:

Dustin Maughan
Program Director
ASPIRE ERC

Writer:

Kayleigh Kearsley
Marketing & Communications Intern
ASPIRE ERC