Institution news
Stuart explained his role 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?
Stuart Nixon (SN): I am responsible for delivering SIMULIA (the realistic simulation brand of Dassault Systèmes) services projects to customers in the UK, Nordics and Benelux. Therefore, I work across industries identifying how our simulation technology can solve their problems. As a result I interact with a number of customers and our own research and development team who identify best practices for simulation within the field of electric vehicles.
Q: What would you say are the main challenges to EV batteries being adopted by consumers on a large scale?
SN: I still think that cost is a prohibitive factor, just looking at manufacturers’ websites there is still a considerable difference between the internal combustion (IC) and electric vehicle (EV) models of a family sized hatchback. Range anxiety is a perceived problem for consumers but current range covers the vast majority of people’s driving habits, but for those long distance journeys recharge time is still a challenge.
Q: How do you see those challenges being overcome in the coming years?
SN: Government policy is driving the direction of travel towards electric vehicles, but simulation can help manufacturers overcome many of the technical problems that still need to be resolved and optimise the final solution. Consumer reviews are showing that EVs can replace current IC vehicles. This is supported with the introduction and publicity of high end motorsport with electric powered vehicles.
Q: Regarding new technologies for battery use and operation, what would you say are the ones to watch for the future?
SN: The underlying battery chemistry will be the most interesting area for development and the one which could increase consumer confidence. Increasing energy density, minimising charge time and reducing capacity degradation can be driven by considering innovative battery designs.
Q: Why is it important for engineers to join this year’s International EV Batteries conference?
SN: The event will cover all aspects of hybrid and electric vehicles with participation from OEMs, researchers, software vendors and component suppliers. This will make for some great presentations, learning about the challenges each organisation is facing and the methods they have deployed to overcome them.
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.