On 28 April 2015, the Research and Development Automobile Center of New Energy was founded as a result of the joint efforts of two departments - the Internal Combustion Engine Research Institute and the School of Electrical Engineering and Automation - of Tianjin University. The President of Tianjin University, Li Jiajun, officials of the Office of Science and Technology, the School of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Internal Combustion Engine Research Institute, and representatives from relevant corporations attended the inaugural ceremony. Sun Yuehai, Party Secretary of the Internal Combustion Engine Research Institute, hosted the opening ceremony. 

 
The collaboration leverages off the high caliber of both departments. The Internal Combustion Engine Research Institute has a high profile and influence in the motorcycle industry as it possesses the comprehensive and technical ability of formulating national and industrial standards having established a national testing center, and capacity for designing automobiles and their parts. The academic and research standard of the School of Electrical Engineering and Automation is ranked one of the highest in China and is internationally recognized.

The Research and Development Automobile Center of New Energy will combine the leading technologies of the entire vehicles and parts design, the motors of electric vehicles, and the control systems to research and further develop environmentally friendly electric vehicles. It is a win-win university-industry cooperation and supports the achievements of the national industrial development strategy.

 

President Li Jiajun said that the Research and Development Automobile Center of New Energy collaborates with both departments in accordance with the national overall layout of the “Five-in-one” policy which includes the economic, political, cultural, social and ecological aspects. He hoped that this center could generate a series of major and new projects which would appeal to the market and contribute to the promotion of the whole technical level of electric motorcars and other industries in China. Such an achievement would contribute to the development of TJU and the country’s economic and social development, and provide an ecological environment.