The University of Michigan Board of Regents is set to vote on an addition to the institute during its Thursday, Feb. 20 meeting.
The project proposes constructing a nearly 25,000-gross-square-foot addition to the institute as a way to establish an electric vehicle center battery laboratory.
If approved, the space will provide research and hands-on education in “next-generation battery technologies,” according to a meeting document.
The addition will include three battery laboratories, auxiliary support areas, a substation and a facility for battery cell abuse testing. It will also have an enclosed penthouse that will hold dehumidifiers essential to battery lab operations.
There will also be minor renovations within the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. It is also expected the project will need to more parking spaces as well.
The estimated $60 million price tag for it plans to be funded with the help of a State of Michigan grant. The Board of Regents will have to authorize initial cash flow to fund construction.
If approved, the architectural firm known as SmithGroup will begin designing the project immediately. The project will then return to the board with a construction schedule and for approval of the schematic design.
The Thursday meeting is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at University Hall inside the Ruthven Building, 1109 Geddes Ave. in Ann Arbor. A livestream can be viewed at umich.edu/watch.
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