More than 70 representatives from government agencies, automakers, utilities, universities, nongovernmental organizations and more met in Atlanta and virtually in June to share project updates and challenges about electric mobility in the Southeast.

The gathering was the first in-person meeting of the Southeast Electric Transportation Regional Initiative (SETRI) since it launched in 2021. SETRI is a multisector network—facilitated by Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability, the Georgia Tech Strategic Energy Institute and key partners—that seeks to convene, collaborate and inform on transportation electrification across the region. 

The Nicholas Institute, Georgia Tech Strategic Energy Institute and SETRI partner organizations are collaborating to advance transportation electrification through regular convenings such as this meeting, resources like the Southeast Portal for Electric Transportation Opportunities and data-driven research.

“Georgia Tech was delighted to host SETRI's 2024 in-person meeting,” said Richard Simmons, Ph.D., director of research and studies at the Georgia Tech Strategic Energy Institute. “SETRI is adding value and accelerating timely exchanges across the EV value chain from batteries to electric buses, and from federal funding to smart grid innovation throughout the Southeast.

“This voluntary coalition has grown from a roundtable of a dozen individuals four years ago to upwards of 100 dynamic, trend-setting organizations today. It's exciting to play a small part in providing a forum for this partnership, and to imagine its trajectory and impact over the coming years.”