China’s “30·60 Goal,” which aims to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, has brought unprecedented opportunities and challenges to the domestic and international automotive industry. Achieving powertrain diversification in automobiles has become one of the key technical pathways to this goal.
From December 6th to December 7th, the SAE 2024 Automotive Powertrain Diversification Technology International Forum, hosted by Xi’an Jiaotong University, was held in Xi’an. The forum, themed “Future Technological Innovation and Powertrain Technological Transformation,” deeply discussed cutting-edge key technologies such as zero-carbon engines, engine thermal management and waste heat utilization, pure electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, fuel cells, hydrogen energy, energy storage, and integrated control of power systems, among others. Numerous international industry leaders and experts were invited to engage in in-depth discussions and visionary conversations. Professor Shiqi Ou and doctoral students Hao Jing and Jiankuan Zhu from TRANSLAB attended the conference, participating in learning and exchanging insights on relevant cutting-edge technologies.
✨ Keynote Conference Learning and Insights
On December 6th, the TRANS Research Group took part in the forum’s opening ceremony and keynote sessions, listening to industry experts discuss the diversification of automotive powertrain technologies. Experts shared unique insights from various perspectives such as policy guidance, technological innovation, and industry development trends, covering areas like new energy technology for commercial vehicles, high-efficiency and low-emission technologies for internal combustion engines, and the development of hybrid power systems.
Experts emphasized that with the continuous upgrade of policies and changing market demands, new energy technologies exhibit broad application prospects in the commercial vehicle sector. More commercial vehicle companies are increasing their research and development efforts, focusing not only on enhancing vehicle power performance but also on making significant progress in battery management and charging infrastructure development.
Despite the accelerating global transition toward electrification in the automotive industry, internal combustion engines will continue to play a crucial role in the foreseeable future. Experts believe that enhancing the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines, reducing emissions, and integrating these engines with new energy technologies on the current technical basis represent key challenges facing the industry. In particular, hybrid power systems, with their significant potential in improving fuel economy and reducing carbon emissions, are widely regarded as essential components of future automotive power systems. As the technology matures, their importance will become more prominent.
During the roundtable discussion segment, an intense discussion among industry experts took place regarding the future development trends of pure electric vehicles. It was generally agreed that with the gradual breakthroughs in battery technology, extended driving ranges and reduced charging times are expected. The user experience of pure electric vehicles is anticipated to improve, potentially capturing a significant market share in the future.
✨ Special Forum Learning and Insights
On December 7th, the TRANS Research Group participated in the paper presentation sessions of several special forums, focusing on studying research outcomes in areas such as “Lithium Batteries and Management Systems” and “Cutting-edge Technologies in New Energy Vehicles.” Experts and scholars from various regions across the country shared the latest advancements in automotive powertrains, batteries, and energy storage technologies. By listening to multiple academic presentations, the TRANS Research Group not only deepened their understanding of cutting-edge technologies but also expanded their research horizons, gaining inspiration and new perspectives for future studies.
✨ Conference Link
For more detailed information about the SAE 2024 Automotive Powertrain Diversification Technology Forum, please visit: SAE 2024 Forum Link
Thank you for your attention, and stay tuned for more updates from our team!
Draft: Jiankuan Zhu
Initial Review & Editing: Lanxin Shi
Final Review: Shiqi Ou