Institution news
Ahead of International EV Batteries 2016, we spoke to Ian Cluett, Head of Programmes and Commercial at Williams Advanced Engineering. Ian explains his role and involvement in EVs and EV batteries, the critical challenges, five to 10 year vision and what he is looking forward to by attending and presenting.
Ian Cluett: Head of Programmes and Commercial, Williams Advanced Engineering
Ian Cluett is a graduate in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Bath and with an MBA from Warwick University. Ian has held several roles since joining Williams Advanced Engineering in 2012 and is currently Head of Programmes and Commercial. Prior to joining Williams, Ian worked for Ricardo managing projects in a variety of technology areas including hybrid and electric vehicles, battery packs, battery management systems, vehicle and powertrain electronics in many regions including Europe, China, South Korea and India. He joined Ricardo from Motorola where he held a variety of commercial, project and strategy positions within the Automotive Electronics business.
Q: Could you briefly explain your role and involvement in electric vehicles and EV batteries?
Ian Cluett: I am Project Director for several Electric Vehicle programmes including the Aston Martin Rapide E, Nissan Bladeglider and Jaguar CX75 and B24. Williams Advanced Engineering are also the providers of batteries for the Formula E racing programme which are designed and manufactured in our Global Headquarters in Grove, Oxfordshire.
Q: What are you most looking forward to by attending and presenting at International EV Batteries 2016?
IC: I see the conference as an opportunity to share information with other key providers in the battery sector. Providing sustainability solutions is also one of the company’s core competencies and I am looking forward to sharing that message but also keen to meet potential new business partners.
Q: What is the number one challenge holding back electric vehicles in today's market?
IC: I believe there are two key issues restricting the development of electric vehicles - energy density and cost.
Q: Where do you see the future of electric vehicles going over the next five to 10 years?
IC: There will certainly be more products available as vehicle manufacturers commit to more research and development in the electric vehicle sector. Legislation will be a big factor in this investment and growth. As a result of investment, market share will increase against petrol and diesel variants.
Ian Cluett will be speaking at International EV Batteries 2016 on 6-7 December in London. The event will address the critical challenges being faced by electric vehicle OEMs globally. Attendees will take away the latest innovations in battery management, modular design, range extension, battery testing and pack integration.
Key programme highlights:
- General Motors will discuss the successes of the Chevrolet Bolt EV’s 60KwH battery system and lessons from the Volt and Spark
- Understand the opportunities and challenges Jaguar Land Rover see for modular battery designs
- Williams Advanced Engineering determine how F1 and Formula E battery development and evolution will impact electric vehicles
- McLaren Automotive and University of Oxford deliver the latest on charge and current control, and reductions in weight and size of the Battery Management System (BMS)
- Learn how the European Commission are assessing battery testing methods from a policy-making perspective
- Mitsubishi, NAATBatt and the University of Warwick WMG bring success stories for bidirectional charging, battery recycling and second-life options
For further information, please visit the International EV Batteries 2016 event page.