Institution news
Laura and Philippe explained their roles and involvement with regards to the conference, critical engineering challenges and why it is important for engineers to attend.
Q: Please could you briefly explain your role, involvement, and experience with regards to EV batteries?
Laura Lander (LL): In the past, I have been involved in the fundamental research aspect of EV batteries, where I designed new cathode materials for EV Li-ion batteries. Currently, in my postdoctoral research, I am focusing on the economic and environmental aspects of EV batteries and how they can be improved and more precisely assessed/measured.
Philippe Gyan (PG): I am involved in powertrain sizing, in the development of models representing electric, thermal, and ageing behaviour of batteries, and durability strategies of real vehicle usage.
Q: What would you say are the main challenges to EV batteries being adopted by consumers on a large scale?
LL: Talking to EV consumers in my environment, I believe range anxiety, cost and battery reliability are issues for large-scale adoption by consumers. Especially when talking about early EV models.
PG: The main challenges are the cost of EVs, and the availability of charging infrastructures. Some anxieties are still present about range estimations and charging time during long trips. Some taxes are being prepared on heavy cars, which may put constraints on the available energy of batteries.
Q: How do you see those challenges being overcome in the coming years?
LL: Continuous research on EV technology will help to overcome these hurdles, using improved battery chemistries, designs and manufacturing processes. Tesla has shown during its Battery Day that there are many promising optimisation pathways.
PG: Vehicles are getting more affordable, as the cost of batteries decreases. New battery chemistries are also being investigated with higher energy density and better chargeability.
Q: Regarding new technologies for battery use and operation, what would you say are the ones to watch for the future?
LL: Cobalt-free batteries and solid-state batteries.
PG: Progress should be watched on silicon anode batteries, sodium batteries, lithium sulfur batteries and ASSB (all solid-state batteries) as these promising technologies are growing in maturity.
Q: Why is it important for engineers to join this year’s International EV Batteries conference?
LL: This event closes the gap between research and application, bringing together academics as well as industry representatives. This improves the communication between both sides and provides inspiration for future technologies for “real-world” applications.
PG: It is important for engineers to join this conference in order to listen to the latest industry trends and customer needs, share experience, and expand knowledge by meeting new people who have interest in the various areas of sustainable development of electromobility.
This year’s International EV Batteries conference will be taking place live online on 11-12 November 2020.
Join this conference to:
- Hear from battery experts from organisations including Arrival, Geely Powertrain Research Institute, Britishvolt, Department for Transport, London Fire Brigade, Warwick Manufacturing Group, Jaguar Land Rover, Magna Powertrain, Groupe Renault, Williams Advanced Engineering, Vertical Aerospace and the Health and Safety Executive
- Find out how specific challenges of integrating EV technology into heavy duty, aerospace and military applications are being managed by leaders in the field
- Plan for a more cost-effective, stable and energy-dense battery by hearing about state-of-the-art battery cell chemistries and design
- Gain insights into the latest battery testing techniques and technologies to ensure an efficient and safe battery
- Learn best practice for thermal management of batteries to ensure optimal temperatures for safe and efficient operation
- Join the discussion through our interactive roundtables and our live question and answer sessions with the speakers
To book your place, please visit www.imeche.org/evbatteries.