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Michigan Tech leads a real-world connected vehicle research for energy-saving connected vehicle technology, with support from GM, DOE, and ACM partners.
HOUGHTON, Mich. — Michigan Technological University is accelerating research on connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) through a $7 million federal initiative aimed at improving energy efficiency and real-world readiness. The project—part of the ARPA-E NEXTCAR program under the U.S. Department of Energy—is positioning Michigan Tech at the forefront of connected vehicle innovation.
At the heart of the effort are two campus-based research hubs: the Michigan Tech Research Institute (MTRI) and the Advanced Power Systems Laboratories (APS Labs). Their collaborative work blends digital simulations with physical vehicle testing, helping researchers explore how vehicles can coordinate in traffic to reduce fuel consumption and emissions—especially in the unpredictable road conditions of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Michigan Tech’s Role in the DOE’s NEXTCAR Initiative Gains Traction
The NEXTCAR (Next-Generation Energy Technologies for Connected and Automated On-Road Vehicles) initiative supports technologies that optimize energy use through vehicle connectivity. Michigan Tech’s role includes a joint project with General Motors and national laboratories, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory and other DOE facilities.
Principal investigators Jeffrey D. Naber, director of APS Labs, and Bill Buller, senior research scientist at MTRI, are spearheading the effort. Their team is simulating cooperative vehicle behaviors—like eco-routing, signal approach coordination, and platoon driving—to improve fuel economy. According to Naber, “Connected vehicles can save energy through cooperation. The goal is to see how this translates into real-world energy savings.”
Simulations Bridge Digital Concepts and Physical Road Performance
A key innovation in Michigan Tech’s approach is the use of hybrid testing that mixes simulated vehicles with real-world test cars. This digital-physical blend enables researchers to examine how CAV systems would perform on public roads—without the need for a massive fleet.
“We created a digital version of the track where simulated vehicles talk to real cars,” said Buller. “It lets us test these systems safely and more efficiently before full deployment.”
These simulations allow researchers to replicate and evaluate dozens of vehicles’ interactions, thereby safely exposing potential flaws or strengths in the systems before bringing them to scale.
“We’re not just testing vehicles. We’re helping to shape the future of transportation.” — Bill Buller, MTRI Senior Research Scientist
Michigan Winters Offer Natural Testing Ground for Vehicle AI
Michigan Tech’s location in the state’s Upper Peninsula provides an edge. Harsh winters, snow-covered roads, and unstructured environments give researchers a natural proving ground for testing autonomous vehicle systems in adverse conditions.
“The real test comes when these technologies are deployed in unpredictable environments,” Buller said. “Our unstructured winter environment, with snow-covered roads and low visibility, is a perfect test bed for seeing how these systems handle extreme conditions.”
Partnership With ACM Expands Real-World Connected Vehicle Research Testing Access
In 2024, Michigan Tech became the official engineering service provider for the American Center for Mobility (ACM), a connected vehicle testing site in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The ACM’s facilities include complex driving environments—highways, urban canyons, overpasses, tunnels, and pedestrian zones.
“Most of our work with ACM has been federally funded,” Naber explained. “But this new partnership allows us to work directly with industry, supporting their development and validation needs.”
The ACM connection gives Michigan Tech broader testing access, making it easier to move projects from lab environments to real roads.
Scaling the Future of Mobility Through Public–Private Collaboration
Michigan Tech’s project reflects a broader trend in mobility R&D: university-led public–private collaborations focused on integrating simulation and real-world data. As CAVs become more commonplace, energy-saving solutions validated by Michigan Tech may find their way into the commercial vehicle market.
Michigan Tech’s leadership role is emblematic of the state’s deep involvement in transportation innovation. With the university’s partnerships across DOE labs, auto industry giants like GM, and premier facilities like ACM, Michigan is reinforcing its legacy as the center of American automotive progress.
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