Institution news
Jorge discusses his role and involvement with regards to EV batteries, industry 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?
Jorge Martínez López (JML): I work as Thermal Simulation Lead Engineer for Williams Advanced Engineering. Among my responsibilities are leading the development of electro-thermal simulations for lithium-ion batteries and the design of cooling systems for high performance cars and electric motorsport series, such as the FIA Formula E World Championship, Extreme E, FIA World Endurance Championship (LMDh) and the first multi-brand electric touring car racing series (ETCR).
Q: Many OEMs are pledging to be fully electric by 2030/2035, in light of this what would you say we need next to ensure a mainly electric vehicle presence in the market in the UK?
JML: The technology is ready and people are aware of the benefits of electric cars for the environment. However, there is still a major concern around charging infrastructure. We need to work hard over the coming years to ensure we have enough charging points to properly support all future customers.
Q: When it comes to the part of the battery life cycle you are involved in, what considerations need to be taken when it comes to the sustainability side?
JML: The performance of Li-ion batteries is greatly dependent on their temperature. The cooling strategy must be designed to cool down and heat up the cells efficiently, using the minimum amount of energy. An optimised cooling system can significantly reduce the size and the weight of a battery pack, contributing to improved range of electric vehicles.
Q: What do you think is the main area in the battery lifecycle that needs development to ensure a net-zero carbon lifecycle to match the 2050 target?
JML: The decarbonisation of the grid, the establishment of a second-life battery market and the use of recycled materials together with cell chemistries with higher energy densities will help us to reduce the emissions attributed to electric vehicles.
Q: Regarding new technologies for battery use and operation, what would you say are the ones to watch for the future?
JML: Although the current technology applied to Li-ion batteries is mature enough to be used in passenger cars with total confidence, we have seen over recent years how engineering companies are massively improving the performance, safety and cost-efficiency of batteries through research in different areas like cell chemistry, advanced materials or thermal management. One of the best examples of this rapid development and probably the biggest change for customers in the near future is fast charging technology. I have no doubts that we will very soon see that our electric cars can be easily charged in a few minutes.
Q: Why is it important for engineers to join the International EV Batteries 2021 conference?
JML: International EV Batteries 2021 is a great opportunity to know about the latest advances in Li-ion batteries from the top automotive manufacturers and engineering companies involved in the EV market.
This year’s International EV Batteries conference will be taking place on 9-10 November 2021 at Kia Oval, London.
Join this conference to:
- Hear from battery experts from organisations including Toyota, Nyobolt, Arrival, Benchmark Intelligence, Warwick Manufacturing Group, Rimac Automobili, Advanced Propulsion Centre, Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company, Jaguar Land Rover, Magna Powertrain, Williams Advanced Engineering, Vertical Aerospace and UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC)
- Find out how specific challenges of integrating EV technology into bus, aerospace and hypercar 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, including developments with solid-state batteries
- Gain insight 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 in-person expert-led roundtables and our question and answer sessions with the speakers
To book your place, please visit www.imeche.org/evbatteries.