Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], September 18 : The Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, has strengthened its international research collaboration in electric mobility with the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for joint research and innovation in electric vehicles and sustainable mobility.
MoU was signed on September 8, 2026, at the Electric Vehicle Centre (EVC), University of Michigan, between Prof. Amit Patra, Director, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, and Prof. Todd Allen, Associate Dean for Research, University of Michigan.
A high-level delegation from IIT (BHU), led by Prof Amit Patra, visited the University of Michigan’s Electric Vehicle Centre to formalise the collaboration and discuss opportunities for joint research, innovation and academic engagement in the rapidly evolving field of electric mobility.
Addressing the gathering, Prof Amit Patra highlighted IIT (BHU)’s contributions to e-mobility research and emphasised the complementary strengths of the two institutions. He said the collaboration would provide opportunities to combine IIT (BHU)’s expertise in e-mobility with the University of Michigan’s capabilities in electric vehicle systems, thereby fostering joint innovation and creating a wider global impact.
Prof Rajeev Kumar Singh, Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Coordinator of the Centre for Transportational E-Mobility (CTEM), presented two sanctioned ongoing projects under the IIT (BHU)-University of Michigan collaboration. He also discussed possibilities for further engagement in other ongoing and proposed initiatives at IIT (BHU). Faculty members Debdip Bhandary, Abir Ghosh, Udita Ghosh and Prodyut Dhar participated in the discussions online.
IIT (BHU) delegation comprised Prof Amit Patra, Director; Prof Rajeev Kumar Singh, Head, Department of Electrical Engineering; Prof. Hiralal Pramanik, Dean (Resource & Alumni); Vish Narayanan, Distinguished Alumnus; and Sri Mirle, Senior Alumnus.
The University of Michigan delegation included Prof Alan Taub, Director, Electric Vehicle Centre; Christophe Mangin, Managing Director, EVC; Prof Todd Allen, Associate Dean for Research, College of Engineering; Prof. Jason Siegel; Prof Heath Hofmann; and Prof Amit Misra.
During the visit, the two institutions held detailed discussions on the two sanctioned projects and other projects under consideration. 
Discussions on advanced materials also led to an agreement to constitute a Materials Research Team, which will work towards collaborative research and the development of a long-term white paper outlining potential research directions.
The visit also provided an opportunity to explore further avenues of collaboration with the University of Michigan and strengthen alumni and institutional engagement between the two institutions.
The MoU marks a significant step in IIT (BHU)’s efforts to expand its international research partnerships and advance cutting-edge work in electric vehicles and sustainable mobility. The collaboration is expected to create new opportunities for joint research, faculty and student engagement, and innovation in the global electric mobility ecosystem.
IIT (BHU) Varanasi expressed its gratitude to the University of Michigan and the Electric Vehicle Centre for their warm hospitality and support during the visit.