This is a past event.

MAE Graduate Seminar Speaker Series

proudly presents

Wade Sheffer

GM Energy

Abstract

Electric vehicle companies face a big decision – invest in building out a small, fully-controlled charging experience or make an outsized impact by bringing key stakeholders together. In this presentation, Wade Sheffer, vice president of GM Energy, will talk about the decisions his startup inside General Motors has taken to get customers the best experience, in more places, as fast as possible by engaging dealers, charge point operators, and even power utilities. Wade will discuss how GM Energy is committed to connecting the journeys of EV drivers with integrated energy solutions that enhance convenience and accessibility, and what he’s learned along the way.

The presentation will highlight GM Energy's strategic initiatives in developing robust charging infrastructure, both at home and in public spaces, ensuring that drivers have reliable access to energy wherever their travels take them. Attendees will gain insights into the technologies and partnerships that enable GM Energy to create a cohesive ecosystem that supports sustainable mobility and fosters cross-functional engagement.

Join us to learn how GM Energy is shaping the future of electric mobility, making charging effortless, and contributing to a cleaner, more connected world for EV drivers and their communities.

Bio

Wade Sheffer currently serves as GM’s Vice President of GM Energy. In this role, Sheffer leads a team of experts responsible for enabling, expanding, and accelerating broader EV adoption throughout and beyond the company’s core vehicle portfolio. This includes the expansion of public charging infrastructure, broadening EV education, extending the applications of EV technology to new industries and applications, as well as introducing new energy management products, services and solutions for EV, residential and commercial customers.

Prior to this role, Sheffer served as Managing Director of the capital venture arm of the company, GM Ventures (GMV), where he helped lead strategic investments in startup companies who are pioneering novel technologies in key focus areas which align with the GM enterprise vision. Under Sheffer’s guidance, the GM Ventures team experienced significant growth, and helped to identify and accelerate new technologies to market throughout the GM portfolio of products and services.

Beginning his General Motors career as a Structural Test engineer in 1996, Sheffer has served in a number of positions throughout the company, including Quality Assurance & Engineering Supervisor for the North American Outbound Logistics quality team, a Global Commodity Manager for Vehicle Infotainment, as well as various leadership positions in Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, which included leading the service components and accessories procurement for GM dealerships globally in his role as Purchasing Executive Director for the company’s Customer Care & Aftersales organization.

Sheffer received a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Michigan Technological University in 1996 and earned a Master of Science in engineering with a focus on management of technology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2000.

Invited by: Darrell Robinette