Electric Vehicles: Have We Reached the Tipping Point?

The worldwide demand for automotive transportation remains strong even as the price of conventional fuels fluctuates wildly. Automobile companies are committed to providing safe and affordable vehicles which run on whatever energy sources are available in a particular market. A brief history of vehicle propulsion methods will be followed by an update on the current status of electric vehicles, including hybrids, batteries, and fuel cells. In particular, the outlook for vehicle electrification worldwide will be examined in light of evolving government legislation and consumer preferences.

This will be a hybrid in-person/online event. The talk will begin promptly at 4:00 p.m. EDT, followed by a reception.

The webinar will be moderated by Bill Tuszynski of the Unami Group LLC.

 

About the Speaker

Ed Becker is a past president and fellow of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers. He retired from General Motors after 30 years of service, mostly in the Powertrain Division, working on a variety of GM engines and transmissions. He then established Friction & Wear Solutions, LLC, which provides advice on materials to solve tribological problems.

Becker is the author of numerous technical publications and has contributed to several engineering handbooks. He holds nine U.S. patents related to automotive manufacturing and materials processing. In 2018 he received the Engineering Society of Detroit Affiliate Council’s Gold Award, its most prestigious award for an outstanding engineer or scientist. He is a licensed professional engineer in Michigan and holds a PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan.

 

About the Series

The Joseph Priestley Society (JPS) promotes a deeper understanding of science, technology, and industry, with an emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship. Speakers are leaders from a wide variety of large and small chemical and life science companies and the financial, consulting, and academic communities.

For more information about this event, please contact jps@sciencehistory.org.