Building a New EV Value Chain
Thursday, September 19, 2024
How does WDI’s Energy and Mobility team approach the energy transition in transportation facing low- and middle-income countries? Find out in this newly published video story that highlights the Chihuahua Charging Forward project.
In partnership with government and industry leaders in Chihuahua, Mexico, WDI has created case studies of companies pivoting to take advantage of new electric mobility opportunities and shared them during an e-mobility forum in Chihuahua.
Chihuahua, Mexico – As the automotive industry undergoes a global transformation to electrification, many companies — from global brands to local companies to newly-formed startups — are looking to take advantage of opportunities along a new value chain.
For the past year, the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan (WDI) has been working with partners in the state of Chihuahua to cement the state’s leadership position in electric mobility (e-mobility) through a project entitled Chihuahua Charging Forward. WDI’s Energy and Mobility team is working to identify and share opportunities related to the EV value chain with companies, economic development actors, and other players in the state – and also to highlight the innovative work happening at companies in the state.
As part of the multi-faceted project, WDI developed two case studies of companies in Chihuahua that are pivoting their businesses to take advantage of such opportunities. The case studies highlight two such companies, AMN Solutions and Panel Solar. The businesses highlighted are working in the areas of charging infrastructure, electrical harnesses and batteries. The cases examine why they are pursuing these specific strategies, internal and external factors contributing to their success, as well as lessons learned.
AMN Solutions
Panel Solar
WDI presented these case studies alongside leadership from the companies, during a session at an E-Mobility Forum in Chihuahua, Mexico. Organized in collaboration with WDI’s partners Secretaria de Innovacion y Desarrollo Economico (SIDE) and Frente Norte, the event served as a capstone for the Chihuahua Charging Forward project, highlighting key accomplishments –which included hosting events and knowledge exchanges, generating and sharing new research, and building connections and seeding new collaborations between Chihuahua and Michigan. The event brought together leaders from industry, government, academia and the local innovation ecosystem focused on how Mexico and Chihuahua can capitalize on the EV opportunity.
The day-long conference included presentations and panel discussions with corporate, policy, and economic development experts from the U.S. and Mexico. Speakers included Foxconn and Siemens representatives, as well as leaders from the U.S.-Mexico Foundation, Sostenibilidad Global and the Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College, among others.
About WDI
At the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan, unlocking the power of business to provide lasting economic and social prosperity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is in our DNA. We gather the data, develop new models, test concepts and collaborate with partners to find real solutions that lead to new opportunities. This is what we mean by Solving for Business—our calling since the Institute was first founded as an independent nonprofit educational organization in 1992. We believe societies that empower individuals with the tools and skills to excel in business, in turn generate both economic growth and social freedom—or the agency necessary for people to thrive.
About SIDE
SIDE fosters and facilitates the economic development of Chihuahua, in coordination with economic actors, increasing the competitiveness of businesses through innovation, to generate wealth and employment, and enhance the quality of life for the people of Chihuahua.
About Frente Norte
Frente Norte is a smart specialization strategy for Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, intended to help the city focus its efforts and resources on a limited number of ambitious and achievable priorities that can promote economic competitiveness, as well as the well-being and integral sustainability of the region in an increasingly complex and uncertain global context.