The IEEE-USA is the predominant U.S. organizing body of practicing electrical engineers. IEEE stands for Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. Their membership includes over 50% of all practicing electrical engineers in the U.S., which amounts to 215,000 individuals. They are responsible for publishing ~25% of the nations technical literature, and focus on members career development.
As one of many areas of practical interest that the group fosters is the development of plug-in electric vehicles. Dr. Thomas Schneider, himself involved in electric car engineering since the 70s serves as Chairman of the IEEE-USA plug-in vehicle task force. IEEE hosted a one-day symposium on PHEVs on September 19, 2007. The event included Keith Cole, engineer from GM, and many other members. I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Schneider after the conference, and a full audio of the interview follows this post.
I have noticed the IEEE comes up a lot when plug-in cars are discussed so I thought this interview would be helpful for us to learn exactly what role the IEEE plays in this technological revolution.
First, is important to note that as engineers develop PHEVs, they are likely to present their findings to the IEEE and submit them to IEEE publications for peer-review. In that sense, the IEEE stands at the forefront of accepting, validating , and disseminating these important PHEV developments. Indeed GM Volt engineers are members of IEEE and attend their conferences.
Dr. Schneider points out the IEEE also plays an important role in interfacing with vehicle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as GM and the U.S. government. They do so by helping to advance technical and energy policy. This is done in one way by developing position statements including those related to PHEVs. He noted that at present there are two bills being processed by Congress. In the Senate is the CAFE standards bill and in the House, the PHEV tax bill. The PHEV bill is relevant to us because it could lead to tax breaks both for individuals buying these cars, and for the OEMs who make them, in that way the government can help to subsidize the Volts development. IEEE helps to lobby for these outcomes, and in specific helps to promote policy favoring the adoption of PHEVs.
Dr. Schneider indicates that there are significant risks for OEMs in developing PHEVs, since new unproven technology will still have to be held to warranty standards that could potentially fail to be met over the long-term.
He is however, specifically confident that PHEVs could be mass produced by 2010, as GM plans. He also cautions about the risk technical and financial of these cars and presents the idea of being able to upgrade batteries at a later date.
Dr. Schneider indicated that the IEEE highly supports the position of mass deployment of PHEV as a viable means for reducing petroleum use, environmental harm, and reducing energy costs. He indicates widespread PHEV adoption is possible, necessary, and highly likely.
One of several outcomes from the symposium was a general consensus that there is sufficient U.S. off-peak grid energy to sustain widespread electric car use.
Other outcomes will soon be published.
To learn more:
IEEE-USA Website
Here is an outline of the PHEV Symposium Program, and you can see Keth Cole’s E-Flex presentation there:
Program
