On Feb. 15, eight Planet Forward students visited the Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan, to learn and report on electric vehicles (EVs); their production, challenges, sales, and future.

The students convened at the Ford Rouge Complex with myself and Planet Forward multimedia editor Aaron Dye after traveling from across the country. Among the students, Duke University, George Washington University, Howard University, Middlebury College, SUNY-ESF, Tuskegee University, and University of Arizona, were represented.

During an intensive day with engineers, plant managers, and members of Ford’s ESG team, students got to see the production of Ford vehicles on the assembly line as well as explore various testing facilities like Ford’s wind tunnel.

Starting in March, the students will be publishing their stories from this trip which will cover a range of topics. From water conservation in EV production to EV consumer reluctance and range anxiety, the stories will explore the challenges of the current moment in actuating the Just Transition to EVs, as well as the solutions that Ford is bringing to the table.

This trip would not have been possible without the support of the Ford Motor Company, their partnership with Planet Forward, or their hospitality during the trip. We look forward to publishing the stories from this trip and can’t wait for you to read them!

Editor’s Note: Ford Motor Company made this series possible by providing students with an experiential learning opportunity at their facilities in Dearborn, Michigan. All editorial content is created independently. We thank Ford Motor Company for their support of our project.