Electric mobility (e-mobility) is becoming a defining feature of Georgia’s transportation and manufacturing landscape. The Georgia Network for Electric Mobility (GNEM), based at the University of Georgia, refers to e-mobility as “vehicles like cars, trucks, bicycles, boats, and aircraft that use electric powertrain technologies for propulsion.”
As more drivers opt for electric/hybrid vehicles and e-mobility manufacturers select Georgia for their manufacturing facilities, building a skilled workforce and robust infrastructure is essential to keep this momentum going.
Georgia’s roads are seeing an increase in drivers opting for electric and hybrid vehicles. Recent vehicle registration reports show that nearly 200,000 hybrids and over 136,000 EVs regularly cruised the state’s highways. The Middle Georgia Innovation Corridor counts 2,400 EVs, a number that continues to climb. This surge is powered by a broader range of EV/hybrid models, more affordable options, and a rapidly expanding network of charging stations.
Rising demand for EVs and hybrids is opening doors for new manufacturing opportunities. Georgia’s business-friendly climate has been key to attracting e-mobility companies to the state, resulting in more than $27.3 billion in investments announced since 2018.
Building an EV/Hybrid Workforce in Middle Georgia
As electric and hybrid vehicles become more common and e-mobility manufacturing grows, the need for skilled technicians is surging. Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) is stepping up with innovative programs that equip students for careers in electric vehicle systems and advanced manufacturing.
- Electric Vehicle Professional Certificate
Developed by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) in partnership with Hyundai, this certificate introduces students to EVs and hybrid vehicle manufacturing environments. It is offered at all CGTC locations with an automotive program, including Hutchings College and Career Academy in Macon-Bibb. This program can serve as a bridge into CGTC’s automotive program.
- Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Repair Technician Certificate
This new program, offered at CGTC’s Milledgeville campus, prepares technicians to service, diagnose, and repair hybrid and fully electric vehicles. With increased consumer adoption, a growing number of service technicians with expertise in high-voltage systems are needed. The program is funded by a $6.5 million investment from the State of Georgia that helped to retrofit facilities and acquire instructional equipment at the Milledgeville campus.
- Mechatronics Technician Degree
An established associate degree in industrial automation, Mechatronics Technology supports a workforce prepared for all advanced manufacturing environments. It equips students with skills relevant to EV and hybrid production facilities and charging infrastructure.
- AI Enhanced Robotic Manufacturing Program
This certificate program trains technicians to program industrial robots, solve smart system challenges, and harness AI and machine vision for manufacturing. As robotics reshape automotive production, these skills are quickly becoming must-haves for tomorrow’s workforce.
CGTC’s AI-enhanced robotics lab equips students with hands-on training for careers in advanced manufacturing, including e-mobility production
Utilities Supporting Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Adoption Across the Corridor
Electric mobility relies on strong infrastructure, and Georgia Power and Flint Energies each play a unique role in supporting and educating the community on EV adoption.
Georgia Power’s EV Education and Resources
As a major utility provider for much of the state of Georgia, Georgia Power helped to establish and provide funding for the Georgia Network for Electric Mobility (GNEM). It is also providing education and resources to guide consumers and stakeholders through the transition to EVs.
Georgia Power offers EV rate plans, public charging information, and online tools for comparing rate options and scheduling vehicle charging during off-peak hours.
Flint Energies’ EV Education and Resources
As a member-owned electric cooperative, Flint Energies once helped consumer-members embrace electric appliances like refrigerators and ovens. Today, they are guiding them through the next modern appliance evolution: electric vehicles.
“We’re here to empower our members with knowledge, so they can make informed decisions that suit their lives, without any sales pressure,” says Marian McLemore, Vice President of Cooperative Communications.
With the GoEVwhere program, Flint Energies offers EV owners incentives to explore the program and a rate plan that encourages members to charge during off-peak hours. The plan can result in lower costs for members and more efficient energy management for the cooperative.
The GoEVwhere program from Flint Energies provides education, rate plans, and incentives to support EV adoption across its service area.
Flint Energies partners with home builders to create EV-ready homes with built-in charging connections. It also hosts public events, shares information, and recently brought in an EV fire safety expert to train local EMS and fire crews.
Flint Energies hosted EV fire safety training for local fire and EMS crews, helping first responders learn the unique safety procedures for electric vehicles.
Why It Matters for the Corridor
From innovative training at CGTC to the outreach efforts of local utilities, the Corridor is actively preparing Middle Georgia for a future powered by electric mobility.
These efforts position the Corridor as a hub where innovation, infrastructure, and opportunity drive success.
Additional Sources:
Georgia Drives e-Services for current EV registration https://eservices.drives.ga.gov/_/#
