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Billy explained his role and involvement in the development of EV/HEV battery technologies, the critical challenges, five to ten year vision and what he is looking forward to at the event.
Q: Could you briefly explain your role and involvement in EV/HEV battery technologies?
Billy Wu (BW): I am an academic at Imperial College London leading a research group focused at the interface between fundamental science and engineering application for electrochemical devices. Within the electric and hybrid vehicle space our research group are working a number of research stream. We develop cell models which describe the physics of lithium-ion batteries which enables more advanced control algorithms to be developed. We develop diagnostic techniques to probe the state of batteries to detect faults. We develop new materials and manufacturing techniques for next generation battery technologies and many other things.
Q: What is the number one challenge holding back widespread use of EVs in today’s current market?
BW: The current cost of battery technology is still a limiting factor that has broad implications. Cost reductions will come about through increased understanding at the fundamental and engineering length scale of the technology, as well as further developments in manufacturing technologies and vertical integration of the supply chain.
Q: What is the most exciting development in this field at the moment, either within your company or in the industry in general?
BW: Next generation battery technologies such as solid-state and metal air batteries have the potential to provide transformative energy densities which would enable true mass market adoption, however there are still significant challenges in realising this benefit.
Q: Where do you see the future of the use of electric vehicle technologies going over the next five to ten years?
BW: Costs will come down through scale-up and vertical integration of supply chains. As research efforts continue, engineering challenges around battery packs will be solved improving system level performance. At the same time advanced in cell chemistry will also provide energy density improvements and opportunities for exciting new technologies.
Q: What are you most looking forward to by attending and presenting at international EV Batteries 2017?
BW: Showcasing some of the work that we have been doing within our research group and also networking with industry to create impact from our work.
Find out more<
Billy will be speaking at International EV Batteries 2017 on 21–22 November in London. Join him and other experts from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), Williams Advanced Engineering, Mitsubishi Motor R&D Europe, Audi AG, Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan Motors Manufacturing UK and more.
Key programme highlights:
- Find out how the UK is leading the race to zero emissions from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV)
- Find out how Williams Advanced Engineering are innovating high performance batteries and how this can contribute to the mass adoption of electric vehicles
- Learn about high voltage components in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV from Mitsubishi Motor R&D Europe
- Address the technical and legal aspects of high voltage battery safety from Audi AG
- Gain a high level look at battery requirements for automotive applications from Jaguar Land Rover
- Discuss mass production of lithium ion batteries for automotive and non-automotive applications with Nissan Motors Manufacturing UK
For further information, visit the International EV Batteries 2017 event page.