Meet David Anderson: Energy Efficient Mobility Systems (EEMS) Program Manager, Vehicle Technologies Office

The Vehicle Technologies Office's Energy Efficient Mobility Systems (EEMS) Program Manger David Anderson has been a "car guy" for a long time, even though vehicle technologies is a second career for him.

I joined DOE as a VTO Technology Manager in December, 2009, so it’s been about 9 and a half years.

This is actually a second career for me.  I spent 13 years in the semiconductor industry, as a computer chip designer.  I eventually became bored and uninterested in that career, and left my job in 2007 to return to school for a Master of Environmental Management degree.  I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I had been a “car guy” for a long time.  Auto racing was a hobby, working on cars was fun, and I was very interested in automotive technology.  During grad school, I focused on vehicle electrification – specifically the automotive Li-ion battery industry.  When I completed grad school in 2009, I wanted to do something in the auto industry, but that sector was tanking.  I was hired into DOE/VTO under the Recovery Act.

I still love automotive technology, and feel lucky that part of my job is to think about cars, mobility, and the future.  I’m excited about the Energy Efficient Mobility Systems (EEMS) Program that I now manage, and the fact that we now have a full team in place, and have an opportunity to grow a program that is meaningful.  I also enjoy the camaraderie and friendships that we all appreciate within VTO.

I think the pace at which new technologies are being introduced into the automotive fleet is incredible.  The fact that our mainstream family car (which is now over 3 years old) can automatically follow a car down the freeway, adjust its speed, nudge the steering wheel appropriately if the car drifts, and brake for obstacles, is remarkable.  The integration of consumer technology into the vehicle (e.g., Apple Car Play and Android Auto), and the fact that, with my mobile phone, I can summon a stranger to come pick me up and give me a ride, is not something I would have thought about a decade ago.  And the fact that mainstream cars can be had with nearly 300hp and still get 30mpg – these are all remarkable to me.

In between the never-ending household chores and family obligations, I enjoy whitewater kayaking, hiking, and single malt scotch.  I’ve traded in my racing helmet for a kayak helmet…