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GM-Volt EXCLUSIVE Interview: Tom Schneider, Chair IEEE-USA Plug-in Vehicle Task Force

September 29th, 2007 | Posted in: Engineering, Original GM-Volt Interviews, PHEV, Politics, Research

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

Tom Schneider 9_07: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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Posted by: Lyle

8 Responses to “GM-Volt EXCLUSIVE Interview: Tom Schneider, Chair IEEE-USA Plug-in Vehicle Task Force”

Drake Says:
September 29th, 2007 at 10:13 am

PHEVs can also help to support wind-based energy solutions like wind turbines. One of the stated disadvantages of wind turbines is that at night, they don’t stop producing energy. During these off-peak times, energy may be wasted because of the low demand. PHEVs change this equation, however, increasing energy demand during the 11PM-5AM window.

PHEVs have so much potential to change the world for the better.
kent beuchert Says:
September 29th, 2007 at 5:39 pm

It’s a point that is certainly valid, but one that the automaker obviously can’t promise - that battery prices will decline and in 10 years, you could probably replace
and even imporve your battery pack for not
very much money. If A123 Systems is correct, their batteries will decline to what sounds like less than half their price in the not too distant future. This all makes the distinction between 10 and 15 year battery pack lifespans potentially not all that important. That also leads to the possibility of either tacking on additional batteries, or expanding the range of the DOD and adding extra miles at the cost of shorter lifespan, which now isn’t so important - in other words, reprogram the system to recharge to 100% of battery capacity and draw down to 20% of charge, gaining 25 miles and having a 65 mile driving range.
Matt986 Says:
September 29th, 2007 at 10:13 pm

I like the last part where they say that the IEEE engineer’s consensus is that the US has enough off peak power. Fears that the grid will collapse under the load of electric vehicles are one of the most common I hear from my usual crowd.

Hopefully with the advent of PHEVs and EVs, we will have more technological advancement toward energy independence. I like DARPA’s goal of $1/Watt solar power generation. Wind generation is good as well. We also need more nuke plants to fill in where solar and wind can’t meet all of the demand.

Perchance the losses in wind generation at night might be mitigated by storage devices, such as large ultracapacitors and large home based batteries. Think - charge up at night for cheap, and run off of a battery all day at home. Couple with solar panels on your roof… we could end up mostly energy independent not only as a nation, but as individuals as well.
Tim Says:
September 30th, 2007 at 8:35 am

New Solar Panels Produced at Less Than $1 Per Watt

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/09/industry_week.php
Neutron Flux Says:
October 1st, 2007 at 1:59 pm

Problem with wind power is you cannot depend on the wind blowing but you can depend on a load on the grid, ergo energy companies are not allowed to factor into their required supplies the amount of wind energy purchased, ergo it is all hedged power. So there is a limit to the amount of wind generated power that power companies can purchase cost effectively & still meet their legal requirements to provide proven energy sources for the grid. This fact will not go away at night as load is load day or night. With the advent of SMART meters, eventually one may be able to buy just wind power and if it isn’t available, their lights go off but I don’t think there will be many signing up for that program. B2G may help but battery cost is not low enough to justify purchase merely to store wind power for B2G. The power market can only rely on guaranteed power & wind is not it, but NUCs are. Minimal carbon footprint (mining,processing & delivering Uranium to plants), Safe on-site storage. New designs that are more efficient & safer. TMI is old news get over it! We did not ban Petroleum refineries because of fires there did we? If we cannot learn from our mistakes and venture out & continue to strive for technological break throughs we should have given up the space program after the first crew fried & died on the pad. We need Nucs like we need the Volt, energy independance & reduction in green house gases. If you think people are ignorant about Series hybrid technology, there is no name for the lack of understanding about modern Nuclear plant processes ,design & built in safety features.
Ruan Says:
October 1st, 2007 at 3:51 pm

Lyle, so you used my tip after all! Good on you! Thanks for good site and lets all hold thumbs for Volt…
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