The Sustainable Internal Combustion Engine Symposium

Bentley Motors has announced that it is to cease production of its famed 12-cylinder engine in April 2024, as part of its Beyond100 strategy which will see the OEM's entire line-up becoming fully from 2030.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3F5EB31

Are you taking some time off over the festive period? It’s the perfect opportunity to catch up on your reading! Follow the link to read the latest issue of Powertrain Technology International – access your copy here: https://bit.ly/PowertrainMagJanuary2023

Reduce and recycle: When considering more environmentally friendly battery packs, sustainability has to be a key objective from the outset. Follow the link to read the feature: https://bit.ly/3PpEFOF

This feature first appeared in the January 2023 issue of – access your copy online here: https://bit.ly/PowertrainMagJanuary2023

The January 2023 issue of Automotive Powertrain Technology International is now available to read online! Packed full of news, interviews, and features, including:

Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E-PERFORMANCE: Once synonymous with bellowing V-configuration engines, there’s a new soundtrack emerging from Mercedes-AMG’s Affalterbach headquarters, with the latest C 63 S sporting the world’s most powerful production I4.

OEM INTERVIEW – NIO: Founded by entrepreneur William Li less than a decade ago, NIO has been making strides in the Chinese market with its expanding range of EVs – first SUVs and latterly saloons.

BATTERY SUSTAINABILITY: When considering more environmentally friendly battery packs, sustainability has to be a key objective from the outset.

RARE EARTH FREE MOTORS: Sustainability is at the very top of many industries’ agendas as the era gathers pace. How are manufacturers looking to reduce reliance on rare earth materials in motors?

Follow the link to access your copy online: https://bit.ly/PowertrainMagJanuary2023

FEATURE | TECH INSIDER TOYOTA BZ4X: As well as giving TOYOTA a foothold in one of the market’s most competitive segments, the bz4x electric SUV is spearheading platform and powertrain development for a new generation of electric vehicles.

Read the feature here: https://bit.ly/3B2yB8S

This feature first appeared in the September issue of Automotive Powertrain Technology International – access online here: https://bit.ly/3Uh3zB6

INDUSTRY OPINION 💡: How can developers guarantee their software testing is eco-friendly?

INDUSTRY OPINION 💡: How can developers guarantee their software testing is eco-friendly?

Alexandre Audoin, head of global automotive at Capgemini, considers the sustainability credentials of software testing practices

In its research, Capgemini has seen a huge influx of auto makers making moves to shift their operations and investments toward more digital mobility services. It predicted an estimated additional US$50bn is required over the next five years to meet long-term sustainability targets, in addition to the current investment in , autonomous vehicles and digital mobility services. On top of this, automotive companies are coming under intense pressure from stakeholders to make their products and operations more sustainable as they work to meet new regulations set out by directives such as the European Green Deal and the Paris Agreement.

Audoin comments, “It’s not just the hardware that auto makers need to consider the impact of. As vehicles become increasingly smart and connected, the number of software applications associated within them increases. Learn more: http://bit.ly/3UdljgH

Read our feature exploring the sustainability of digital testing resources in the September 2022 issue of Automotive Testing Technology International: http://bit.ly/3EGSROB

FEATURE 💡 Powertrain focus: Czinger Vehicles 21C – the 3D printed hypercar

A decade ago, the idea of 3D printing a car would have seemed like an outlandish idea. In 2023, it is very much a reality thanks to the efforts of Czinger, the California-based manufacturer of the 21C, a 1300hp+ hybrid hypercar that makes extensive use of additive manufacturing (AM) technology across both its chassis and engine.

Czinger is an offshoot of Divergent 3D, a company looking to disrupt the automotive manufacturing industry with its DAPS (Divergent Adaptive Production System) concept. Intended to be a complete software and hardware solution for tool-less manufacturing, leaning heavily on generative design processes and AM, company founder Kevin Czinger’s vision is that DAPS can replace the traditional vehicle production process.

Follow the link to learn more: http://bit.ly/3ioje4s

Tech Insider: Williams Advanced Engineering EVR

There are multiple EV skateboard-style platforms on the market aimed at aspiring passenger vehicle manufacturers. However, for those looking to create a high-performance, sports-car-type vehicle, the options are more limited. Williams Advanced Engineering recently unveiled what it hopes will be a popular solution for those in search of a more sporting drive – its modular EVR concept.

Skateboards might be a great solution for regular passenger cars, but placing the battery in the vehicle floor – as Chris McCaw, WAE’s technical lead and senior integration engineer on the EVR project explains – means they are less than ideal for sports car applications. WAE has already produced a skateboard system, the EVX, and McCaw says the EVR is “very much a sister product”. However, while the EVX is a solution for SUVs and other luxury vehicle types, the EVR targets a very different segment.

Follow the link to read the feature and learn more: http://bit.ly/3VlEnu4

OPINION PIECE 💡: Chris Mason, CEO at FISITA, discusses differing approaches to sustainable mobility, and whether current circumstances are stifling engineering innovation.

For far too long, new breakthrough ideas and upcoming pioneering technologies have been viewed within a narrow bandwidth. A bandwidth that paradoxically serves to stifle and sometimes kill the innovation that comes from those breakthrough ideas and technologies. Far too often it’s a case of one new idea or single technology being pitted against another new idea or technology; a competition in which only one can win, and the winner takes all. History is littered with such examples, be they automotive or non-automotive.

I started giving this ‘innovation-destroying conundrum’ some thought when I noticed at a recent industry event that the same discussion had reignited, just at the time the industry is shifting away from the IC engine (ICE).

Just about every car maker, supplier and startup (at least in the automotive space) is focusing on sustainable mobility. And that’s how it should be – everyone has the right to breathe clean air.

Follow the link to read the full opinion piece: http://bit.ly/3V7rYKj

Personality profile: ATTI speaks to Mark Grozde, Ford Motor Company’s supervisor for electrified powertrain systems, powersplit applications, about all things powertrain engineering in this personality profile.

What career did you want when you were growing up?

“Early on, I dreamed of being an architect and would marvel at the aesthetic and creativity of Frank Lloyd Wright. I have always had a fascination with how things work and how they are made, so I was constantly taking things apart and putting them back together – sometimes unsuccessfully. Growing up in the Metro Detroit area – the heart of the US automotive industry – the influence of vehicles was everywhere I looked. At an early age, I really didn’t think that I would end up in a career in automotive engineering, but it was a natural progression. “

Follow the link to read more: https://bit.ly/AutoTestMagFeature

Note from Rachel Evans, Automotive Testing Technology International editor: This Q&A was first published in Engine & Powertrain Technology International March 2022 – one of the world’s biggest magazines dedicated to powertrain technology and implementation. Supported by the world’s leading powertrain developers and manufacturers, the magazine highlights the latest trends, developments and technological advancements in tire manufacturing and engineering. Read here: https://bit.ly/EnginePowertrainTechnologyInternational

TESTING NEWS: MAHLE Powertrain has completed the construction of two new facilities in Northampton, UK, the result of a £15m (US$17.9) investment over the last five years. The company says this will deliver much-needed testing capability as the automotive industry accelerates its transition towards decarbonized propulsion. The purpose-built facilities will allow Mahle to test vehicles, batteries and hydrogen technologies under even the most extreme simulated environmental conditions.

“We’re extremely proud of our new test facilities which complement our end-to-end development process,” said Simon Reader, director of engineering services at Mahle Powertrain. “As the industry accelerates the development of a new generation of vehicles that will offer carbon-neutral solutions for the transport sector, it creates a huge demand for testing facilities. Our new center has been designed with both battery and future-fueled vehicles in mind and provides a spread of capabilities that is almost unique anywhere in the world.”

Read more: https://bit.ly/3IBxGig

FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGIES: Cummins Inc and Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) are collaborating to upfit and validate the latter’s Freightliner Cascadia trucks with a Cummins’ hydrogen fuel cell powertrain for use in North America. Freightliner will use Cummins’ fourth-generation fuel cell powertrain, which the manufacturer says provides improved power density, efficiency and durability.

“Cummins and Daimler Truck have a strong history of partnership, and this next step into fuel cell electric vehicles is an exciting development for zero-emissions transport,” said Amy Davis, VP and president of New Power at Cummins. “Hydrogen fuel cells are a promising solution for the demanding requirements of heavy-duty trucking. Our collaboration in this market is an important milestone for both companies as we work to accelerate the shift to a carbon-free economy.”

Read more: https://bit.ly/3PeTrrn

OPINION PIECE: Gary Etherington – manager at temperature control solutions company Julabo – discusses the importance of thermal management in electric vehicle development – in this opinion piece – read here: https://bit.ly/3MSkwOU

REBRAND: Engine + Powertrain Technology International has completed a rebrand to Automotive Powertrain Technology International. Learn more about the rebrand & future content: https://bit.ly/38KmFxw

Please contact Aboobaker Tayub, Automotive Powertrain Technology International’s sales director, via email at [email protected] if you would like your company to be featured in the rebranded magazine.

Engine + Powertrain Technology International is now Automotive Powertrain Technology International | Automotive Powertrain Technology International Engine + Powertrain Technology International has completed a rebrand to Automotive Powertrain Technology International. The transition – the first step of which was undertaken in March 2019 with the addition of ‘Powertrain’ to the title – meets increasing industry demand for diverse drive sy...

NEWS 🗞️: Auto manufacturer Nissan has unveiled details of its prototype production facility for laminated all-solid-state battery cells, which the company aims to bring to market in 2028. The facility, located within the Nissan Research Center in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, will be the main development location for the company’s solid-state battery technology.

Kunio Nakaguro, executive vice president in charge of R&D at Nissan, said, “Nissan has been a leader in electrification technology through a wide range of R&D activities, from molecular-level battery material research to the development of safe, high-performance EVs. Our initiatives even include city development using EVs as storage batteries.”

Read more: https://bit.ly/3v7a8LS

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Are you taking some time off during the Easter break? has just taken care of your reading material for you! So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the latest [online 💻📖] issue of ➡️: https://bit.ly/3qdmT65

NEW ENGINE: Mercedes-AMG has finally found a home for its electrified exhaust gas turbocharging technology developed in F1 – the new SL 43 cabriolet.

Follow the link to find out more: https://bit.ly/3unCeDJ

Partnership extended to co-develop affordable EVs 🤝: Building on their existing relationship, General Motors and Honda have announced that they are to expand their ongoing partnership and co-develop a series of affordable electric vehicles (EVs) based on a new global architecture, using GM’s next-generation Ultium battery technology.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/3DSV3S8

ELECTRIC POWERTRAIN TECHNOLOGIES 🗞️: BorgWarner has completed its acquisition of Santroll Automotive Components, a carve-out of Santroll’s e-motor business. The acquisition is expected to strengthen BorgWarner’s vertical integration, scale and portfolio breadth in light vehicle e-motors while allowing for increased speed to market.

Click here to read more: https://bit.ly/3Kip1Bj

TESTING NEWS: Germany-headquartered EA Elektro-Automatik (RS Components), a manufacturer of DC power supplies for development applications, has introduced its 10000 series, an enhanced and expanded line of EA-PS and EA-PSI programmable DC power supplies, EA-PSB bidirectional DC power supplies, and EA-ELR regenerative DC electronic loads.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/35N4FBu

NEW ENGINE: IndyCar Series 2022’s new 2.4-liter V6 engine, due to debut in 2024, has undergone its first track tests using the Formula 1 circuit layout at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. According to IndyCar, the engine was not tested in its final configuration as development is still ongoing, not least because manufacturers are still working on integrating the hybrid system.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/3J0CDQz

FACILITY DEVELOPMENT NEWS: Volkswagen is to invest in a new European battery cell production site in Valencia, Spain, which would be the company’s first battery manufacturing facility outside Germany.

“In Valencia, we are planning to build up nothing less than next-generation cell production: a standardized factory, producing Volkswagen’s cutting-edge unified cell and supplied with renewable energy, enabling a sustainable battery production. It will create a strong pulling effect in the whole battery value chain in Spain and beyond,” said Thomas Schmall, member of the Volkswagen Board of Management responsible for technology and chairman of the SEAT board of directors.

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3LkFTrl



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Testing 🗞️: Adding to its range of tools for electrical systems development, German specialist dSPACE is to launch a modular system for testing battery management systems. At its core is a high-precision, cell voltage emulation board, which the company states will let users test modern battery systems of up to 1,500V.

“With the new cell voltage emulation board and the scalable system concept, we present a powerful solution for testing BMS systems at the high-voltage level that satisfies even the most demanding test requirements. Our customers will be able to effectively validate and optimize their BMS, thereby benefiting from shorter time to market,” said Stefan Walter, product manager for electromobility and electric drives at dSpace.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3NDAnSO

ELECTRIC POWERTRAIN TECHNOLOGIES: Auto maker Honda has released the latest version of its Civic hatchback with the range now including the option of its e:HEV hybrid powertrain.

The Civic e:HEV sees the deployment of a new 72-cell lithium-ion battery and two compact electric motors, paired with what Honda says is a redeveloped 2.0-liter direct-injection, Atkinson-cycle engine. Combined, the powertrain delivers a maximum motor output of 135kW and 315Nm of torque.

Honda states that the latest iteration of the internal combustion engine has several new elements within its architecture, which combine to help achieve a stated thermal efficiency (TE) of 41%, one of the highest figures within the automotive industry for a production road car.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3wzSFOv

That’s a wrap 🎬: Volta Trucks, which is currently developing an electric commercial vehicle platform, says it has concluded a winter testing program in Sweden. Its engineers were evaluating a variety of elements on the prototype vehicles, including the preconditioning and thermal stability of the battery, interior thermal comfort and defrosting and demisting of the cabin, as well as traction with different levels of grip and mileage accumulation with different cargo weights, all undertaken in temperatures as low as -30°C.

According to the company, data from the different testing teams and locations is being captured and centralized immediately, then rolled out in real time to the other active testing teams, to accelerate the development process.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/3NazYXN

Cummins to build fuel-agnostic R&D center in UK ➡️: Heavy-duty engine manufacturer Cummins Inc is to create a new powertrain testing facility in Darlington, UK, with a focus on the development of low-emission powertrain concepts.

The facility, which is due to open in 2023, is designed to be fuel-agnostic and will enable Cummins to develop and test a wider range of power technologies, including the latest universal engine platforms with variants able to operate on green hydrogen, renewable natural gas, or sustainable diesel. Installation and testing capability will also extend to hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric powertrains.

Click here to read more: https://bit.ly/3uahOwu

Electric Powertrain Tech: Ford Motor Company has revealed details of a planned expansion of its EV product lines in the European market, headlining with the introduction of seven new models by 2024, covering passenger cars and light vans. “I am delighted to see the pace of change in Europe, challenging our entire industry to build better, cleaner and more digital vehicles. Ford is all-in and moving fast to meet the demand in Europe and around the globe,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO.

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3InouML

NEW ISSUE: The latest issue of Engine + Powertrain Technology International has just DROPPED – and is available for you to read online!

Packed full of news, interviews, and features, including:

ROCKET SCIENCE: Chevrolet went with a clean-sheet design for the Corvette Z06’s LT6 Gemini engine. The OEM’s global chief engineer, Jordan Lee, gives Engine+Powertrain Technology International the lowdown on development of the world’s most powerful production atmo V8.

THINK AGAIN: As the focus of powertrain R&D shifts toward the industry’s electric future, traditional ICE expertise still has a crucial role to play in delivering a more sustainable transportation system.

FIRE UP: Experts from the likes of MAHLE, Cummins Inc and Pipo Moteursdiscuss whether new developments addressing issues with volatility and suitability could aid widespread adoption of hydrogen-fueled ICEs.

This is just to name a few of the features in the March issue of !

Follow the link to read online – on your commute, or from the comfort of your own home: https://bit.ly/3qdmT65

Ford puts the F-150 electric powertrain through its paces ➡️: Ford Motor Company has detailed some of the winter testing it has recently been undertaking with the F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck in Alaska.

“Alaska provides us the extremely cold temperatures, snow and ice-covered surfaces that we need to push the F-150 Lightning in this type of testing, which is really focused on dialing-in how the truck delivers its power to the ground on slippery surfaces,” explained Cameron Dillon, an F-150 Lightning powertrain engineer. “Customers may not regularly see -30° mornings like we are seeing here, but they will see winter cold, snow and icy roads, and they should feel confident their F-150 Lightning is ready for all of it.”

Read more here & watch video: https://bit.ly/3w0MMtw

DEVELOPMENT MILESTONE: Sion Power Corporation (Sion Power), which is working on battery development using lithium-metal technology, has announced it has reached a development milestone with its Licerion cells, which are targeted at the EV market.

The company states that it recently demonstrated charge and discharge of the cells to more than 2,500 cycles at 70% of initial capacity. The results were achieved with a multilayer development pouch cell, charged in 180 minutes (C/3 rate), and completely discharged (100% depth of discharge) in 45 minutes (4C/3 rate).

Follow the link to find out more: https://bit.ly/3MFQEGd

FUEL CELL TECH 💡: Though much of the public’s gaze is drawn to the swathe of battery electric vehicles currently hitting the market, major manufacturers, including BMW, are still pressing ahead with fuel cell vehicle development.

In the case of the Bavarian marque, it has recently conducted winter testing of its iX5 Hydrogen at its testing center in Arjeplog, northern Sweden. According to the manufacturer, integrated functional testing and validation of the fuel cell system, hydrogen tanks, battery and central vehicle control unit confirmed the fuel cell driveline is capable of operating normally in sub-zero temperatures.

Follow the link to learn more: https://bit.ly/3pYeFi6

fuelcell

Hyundai is on the road to electrification – here’s the roadmap 🗺️: Hyundai has released details of its strategic roadmap that plots its course toward electrification. The plan focuses on three key targets: strengthening the firm’s BEV lineups, optimizing its manufacturing operations and ensuring it is competitive in both hardware and software realms. A key target detailed in the strategy is to achieve BEV sales of 1.8 million units by 2030, with 7% global market share.

Company president and CEO Jaehoon Chang commented, “Hyundai is successfully accelerating its transition to electrification and becoming a global leader in EVs despite a challenging business environment caused by the global chip shortage and ongoing pandemic. Along with our seamless efforts to improve EV value, Hyundai Motor will continue to secure its business sustainability as a ‘Mobility Solutions Provider’ through advanced technologies of not only hardware but also software.”

Read more here 👉: https://bit.ly/3sOkzEn

NEW ENGINE 🗞️: Due to ongoing global supply chain challenges with some hybrid system components, NTT INDYCAR SERIES is to delay the debut of its new, 2.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engine with a spec hybrid system to the 2024 season. Following consultation with engine partners Chevrolet and Honda, the series says it will continue to use the current 2.2-liter units for the 2023 season.

“We are pleased with the pace of the technical development of the 2.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid as we prepare it for competition,” said IndyCar president Jay Frye. “We are very encouraged by the progress our team and our partners have made, but an immediate decision needed to be made to ensure we are prepared for the 2023 season utilizing our current 2.2-liter engine package”.

Click here to find out more: https://bit.ly/3vMhAhE

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: Today we’d like to celebrate all the women that work in the engine, powertrain, automotive, and electric vehicle industries – thank you for all you do!

In honour of , check out this Q&A with Sophie Duzelier, vice president, powertrain system design, PSA Groupe: https://bit.ly/3KIOHar

Ford to split EV and IC development into separate business units: Ford Motor Company is to split its vehicle business into two distinct units, Ford Model e and Ford Blue.

The former will be dedicated to the development and launch of clean-sheet EVs and technologies such as inverters, motors and batteries, as well as undertaking work on software and connected car platforms; Ford Blue will continue development of model lines such as the F-Series, Ranger and Maverick trucks, Bronco and Explorer SUVs, and Mustang sports models. It will also be responsible for supporting Ford Model e through global-scale engineering, purchasing, manufacturing and vehicle test and development capabilities.

“This isn’t the first time Ford has reimagined the future and taken our own path,” said Ford executive chair Bill Ford. “We have an extraordinary opportunity to lead this thrilling new era of connected and electric vehicles, give our customers the very best of Ford, and help make a real difference for the health of the planet.”

Read more: https://bit.ly/35SmBu9

ENGINE COMPONENTS: Semiconductor manufacturer STMicroelectronics (STM) has unveiled new automotive microcontrollers optimized for electric vehicles and centralized (domain and zonal) electronic architectures.

The company notes that in current EVs, high-efficiency SiC-based (silicon carbide) power modules enable the greatest driving range and faster charging. Until now, they have required dedicated high-speed signal processors to control the SiC power semiconductors. STMicroelectronics’ new Stellar E MCUs, designed for the next generation of software-defined EVs, integrate high-speed control-loop processing on-chip. Now one MCU can control the entire module. This simplifies the module design, saves costs and eases compliance with automotive safety and security standards.

Click here to learn more: https://bit.ly/3IgKTw0

A race car fueled by a 100% bio-derived biodiesel: Mazda (Mazda Motorsports) is set to compete in Japan’s スーパー耐久シリーズ (Super Taikyu) domestic endurance racing series with its Mazda2 Bio concept, a Skyactiv-D diesel-powered Demio/Mazda2 production-based race car that will be fueled by a 100% bio-derived next-generation biodiesel called Susteo, developed by Japanese firm Euglena 株式会社ユーグレナ　euglena Co., Ltd.

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3HfhfpO