Why Ohio
Ohio's Advancing the Future of Smart Mobility
Investments in a smart mobility ecosystem put Ohio in the driver's seat for
developing automated vehicles and related technology
Ohio's Resources are Second to None
Ohio offers unparalleled resources for companies engaged in the research,
development, testing, use and commercialization of smart mobility solutions.
Ohio has what's needed to become a leader in the rapidly changing field of smart mobility. No other state can
claim the combination of resources that exist in Ohio. From its collaborative environment and well maintained
infrastructure to its four season climate and exceptional research and test facilities, Ohio is the best place in
which to develop, test and commercialize smart mobility technologies.
164 Miles for Testing
Ohio is preparing four roads covering 164 miles for testing autonomous and connected vehicles
OSU Center for Automotive Research
CAR is pre-eminent research center in the U.S. for sustainable and safe mobility
Six Designated "Smart" Projects
Ohio already has six designated "smart" projects aimed at testing real-world autonomous and connected technologies, with more on the way.
Ohio Collaborates with Michigan and Pennsylvania
The Ohio Department of Transportation – along with The Ohio State University, the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission and the Transportation Research Center – partnered with government agencies and academic institutions in Pennsylvania and Michigan to form the Smart Belt Coalition. Ohio is a centerpiece in this first-of-its-kind cooperative effort created to ensure interoperability between these three smart mobility powerhouses and to work toward the creation of a smart corridor that will eventually stretch from the East Coast to Detroit and Chicago.
Ohio’s the Perfect Location for Autonomous Testing
Ohio’s geography, four-season climate and mix of urban and rural areas provide a diverse landscape for researchers and manufacturers to test and develop smart transportation technologies.
Ohio’s Transportation Industry Has Always Been Strong and Vibrant
Ohio has been at the heart of automotive manufacturing and innovation since the industry’s earliest days. Today, Ohio’s automotive industry is one of the strongest and most vibrant in the country. It employs more than 109,000 automotive workers. It’s the No. 1 producer of engines and transmissions and the No. 2 producer of light vehicles. Every part of the automotive supply chain is represented in Ohio.
TRC is Nation’s Largest Independent Proving Grounds
Ohio is home to the Transportation Research Center (TRC), North America’s largest independent vehicle proving grounds. This world-renowned testing facility has 4,500 acres of road courses and a 7.5-mile test track, making TRC the best place to test and validate nearly any vehicle imaginable, anytime of the year. TRC is home to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Research and Test Center, the only federal vehicle test laboratory in the nation.
