Institute for Future Mobility
Powering Tennessee’s mobility innovation ecosystem to accelerate economic, social, and environmental benefits
Driving Economic Growth & Job Creation
More than 900 companies in the automotive manufacturing sector call our state home—and employ about 140,000 Tennesseans. We are building on these strengths to ensure Tennessee leadership in the mobility sector for years to come.
Leading Electric Vehicle Research
Tennessee supports 40% of EV manufacturing jobs and investments in the Southeast. UT is attracting new industry investments in R&D through partnerships with Tennessee-based OEMs like Volkswagen, Nissan, and Ford, as well as with industry leaders in energy storage, IT, and other strategic technology areas.
Catalyzing Local & Global Benefits
The future of mobility affects everyone. UT research creates opportunities for a safer, greener, and more secure mobility future that enhances economic prosperity in Tennessee and around the world.
Research AREAS
Decarbonization
Investors, suppliers, and consumers are seeking sustainable transportation options. Our researchers are exploring two main strategies to this cleaner future: alternative fuels and electrification, including increasingly efficient power sources and charging strategies. We’re pursuing cost-competitive solutions that improve vehicle performance, contribute to our nation’s energy resilience, and shrink transportation’s environmental footprint.
Digitization
There’s a mobility revolution underway thanks to advances in digital technologies. Our research in computational and communications tools and systems puts Tennessee at the cutting edge. We’re generating solutions that promise to move people and goods around the world more safely, efficiently, and effectively.
Societal Mobility
The future of mobility will affect everyone, whether they own cars, ride public transportation, rent e-scooters, or depend on products that were shipped to them from across the world. Our researchers are studying how people and goods move today, in order to strengthen the nation’s transportation policies, systems, and infrastructure of tomorrow.
World-Class Faculty
Our faculty are recognized by companies, government agencies, and academic peers as leaders in their fields, and as partners and collaborators who drive innovation to impact across disciplines.
The university is recruiting top-tier faculty members to collaborate at the intersections of mobility’s technological, environmental, social, and economic challenges. Learn more about the Future Mobility cluster initiative.
Future Mobility News
-
Hua Bai and Sheng Dai Named NAI Fellows
Hua “Kevin” Bai and Sheng Dai have been elected National Academy of Inventors Fellows — the highest professional distinction awarded to inventors.
-
State Leaders Explore Economic Impact of UT Research
TNECD Commissioner McWhorter visited UTK to learn how UT research helps the state.
-
University of Tennessee and Volkswagen drive the future of mobility through Innovation Hub in UT Research Park
Research faculty and Volkswagen scientists collaborate to make vehicles lighter, batteries last longer, and materials more sustainable.