The mission of the Advanced Transportation Energy Center (ATEC) is to develop fundamental and enabling technologies that will facilitate the electric power industry to actively manage and control large amount of plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) and plug-in electric vehicle (PEV). ATEC will also develop battery and power electronics technologies to help the automobile industry develop better and more efficient PHEVs and PEVs, hence allowing our nation to move away from gasoline based vehicles. ATEC will also educate the public about the advantages of PHEV and PEV through its outreach program in collaboration with industry sponsors.

ATEC’s creation was announced by Governor Mike Easley as a public-private partnership that would draw initial funding from both the state and its two major utilities, Progress Energy and Duke Energy.

"It is the North Carolina way to take bold steps," Governor Mike Easley said in announcing ATEC at the Emerging Issues Forum in February. "With the dawn of the 21st century, North Carolinians have emerged as innovators and leaders in education, technology and the environment. It is time for us to take the lead in the new energy economy."