U-M Approves $26M Lay Auto Lab Upgrade for EV and Battery Research

The University of Michigan has approved a $26 million overhaul of the Walter E. Lay Automotive Engineering Laboratory. This move modernizes one of the campus's oldest research facilities, shifting its focus toward electric vehicles and battery technology while retaining its traditional role in automotive engineering.

The renovation targets approximately 7,000 square feet across five of the lab’s nineteen test cells. It will create a modular testbed for electric components and a new instructional space for battery management systems. According to pulse2.com, the project also addresses critical infrastructure deficiencies in a building that dates back to 1957.

Upgrading dated infrastructure for modern testing

The current facility requires significant mechanical and electrical updates to support modern research demands. The planned work includes replacing substations, power distribution systems, and air handlers. These upgrades are necessary to handle the high energy loads associated with battery testing and electric vehicle components.

Beyond new equipment, the project involves broader architectural improvements such as updated building codes and new overhead doors. This infrastructure refresh is essential for safety and operational efficiency, ensuring the lab can support both advanced research and student hands-on training.

State funding drives electric vehicle focus

This investment is part of a larger $130 million state allocation for Michigan's Electric Vehicle Center. While $60 million was designated for campus infrastructure, the Lay Auto Lab renovation is a key component of that effort. The state aims to strengthen workforce education and collaborative research in next-generation mobility technologies.

The university will fund the project through a mix of engineering college resources, provost allocations, and university reserves. This multi-source funding strategy ensures the lab remains a core facility for the state’s automotive industry, which is increasingly centered on electrification.

Balancing legacy engineering with new tech

The renovation does not discard the lab's history in internal combustion engines and hybrid systems. Instead, it expands capacity to handle both traditional and electric powertrains. This dual focus allows the university to train engineers in a broader range of automotive technologies as the industry transitions.

Construction is scheduled for completion in winter 2028. The expanded space will provide faculty, students, and industry partners with additional resources for testing batteries and software-driven vehicle systems. This positions the facility to remain relevant in a rapidly changing automotive landscape.