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Driving the Future of Powertrain #FPC2019

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​I am always eager to learn about the latest innovations in the powertrain industry and last week I was delighted to attend the Future Powertrain Conference (#FPC2019).

The Future Powertrain Conference (FPC2019), an annual two-day UK event, brings together industry and academic experts within the powertrain research and development fields. During the event attendees are encouraged to debate the challenges faced by the engineering industry in the UK and internationally over the next ten years.

With multiple pressures to meet ever tighter global emission regulations, the need to develop and implement new technology is increasing. To help strengthen the UK’s engineering community and to meet this challenge, FPC2019 helps bridge the gap between scientists and engineers from the UK’s leading academic institutions and industry.

The conference was well-attended and well-organised, with presentations, seminars and discussions being led by a number of key industry figures including:

EXHIBITOR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Continental Engineering Services, CES, (Zytek)

It was great to catch up with CES and hear about their electrification products, which are becoming smaller, higher-performing and more integrated.

  • The Institute of Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS), Bath University

The university’s IAAPS will open in 2020. The industry focused R&I hub will support and accelerate the development of future generations of ultra-low and zero emission vehicles, through state-of-the-art test and research facilities.

SEMINAR HIGHLIGHTS

Power Electronics & Electrical Machines

  • Dr. Malte Jaensch, Head of Electric Drivetrain at Porsche Engineering

Seminar: “Cooling Concepts of High-Power Electric Machines

  • Andy Birnie Systems & Applications Manager, Automotive Microcontrollers at NXP

Seminar: “Electrification Drives New Demand in Microcontrollers

From attending these seminars, it is clear that in all areas electric powertrain technology is being scaled up for higher volume production. In addition, increased performance is being achieved in higher power density packages with many novel system architectures being on show.

Throughout the day I was able to catch up with key clients and it was really promising to hear about all their ambitious growth plans for the next 18 months. There are certainly some exciting and significant new collaborations within the industry.

The powertrain industry is a fast-moving technology sector with electrification continuing to be at the top of the agenda. In addition, the topic of connected and autonomous vehicles has the potential to revolutionise the entire automotive industry, which will obviously affect the drive cycles of powertrains.

The skills shortage remains a significant challenge to growth for many of the attendees’ and it is critical that employers consider how to maximise employee skills and potential.

ELECTRIFIED POWERTRAIN ENGINEERING EXPERTS

Jonathan Lee Recruitment specialises in supplying the increasing range of skills required to deliver the future of electrification. Including Embedded Software, Functional Safety, Specialist Transmission Power Electronics, Machines and Drives Engineers.

GET IN TOUCH

If you would like to discuss how I can put you in touch with some highly skilled and sought-after Powertrain Engineers call me on01384 446146or email me

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