Our Research Centers
ITS-Davis is internationally recognized for its multidisciplinary approach to transportation studies, with sustainability as a key underlying theme. To address today’s challenges, ITS-Davis has built strong research programs in three areas:
- Travel behavior and transport systems modeling
- Environmental vehicle technologies and fuels
- Climate change, air quality, and other environmental impacts
These research programs are carried out by mission-specific centers within the Institute. They are:
Plug-in Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Research Center
The UC Davis Plug-In Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Research Center is the hub of collaboration and research on plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles for the State of California. We provide technology and policy guidance to the state, and address research questions and commercialization issues for PHEVs and EVs. The PH&EV Center is led by Director Dr. Tom Turrentine. Website
Next Sustainable Transportation Energy Pathways
The UC Davis Next Sustainable Transportation Energy Pathways program (NextSTEPS) is a four-year (through 2014) multidisciplinary research consortium, focused on the future roles of alternative fuels and vehicles. Its goals are to generate new insights about the transitions to a sustainable transportation energy future, and disseminate that knowledge to decision-makers in the private sector and governmental agencies so that they can make informed technology, investment, and policy choices. NextSTEPS is led by Director Dr. Joan Ogden. Website
Urban Land Use and Transportation Center
The Urban Land Use and Transportation (ULTRANS) Center focuses on relationships between land use, transportation, and government policy, and the choices that people make about where to live, work, and play, and how and when to travel. ULTRANS is led by Director Dr. Susan Handy. Website
China Center for Energy and Transportation
China Center for Energy and Transportation studies Chinese motorization and transportation energy systems, and teaches American and Chinese graduate students. We collaborate with senior Chinese transportation scholars at State Council’s Development Research Center, Tsinghua University, Shanghai Tongji University, and Beijing Jiaotong University. The China Center is led by Director Yunshi Wang. Website
