Jim Castellano, Vice President, Design Engineering xEV at Hitachi Astemo, spoke with Nathan Keelan from Detroit Media Productions about the future of electrification.
The conversation ranged from Jim’s education and history, to his thoughts about where the industry is headed. Highlights include:
- As a big fan of cars, Jim began his engineering career working on Ford’s first hybrid program. His interest in the program involved new electricification technologies, and how those could have a positive environmental impact.
- Electrification technologies and adoption have evolved: hybrid vehicles were kind of the beginning of electrification. They were and are a self-sustaining energy source. Over time, as the technology and affordability have improved, battery-powered vehicles have become more common.
- For someone like Jim, involvement in the enabling technologies has been a focus that has really propelled the electrification advances that we are all aware of.
- The extended life as well as the safety of vehicle batteries has been an important and exciting achievement.
- In terms of energy sources, we can expect to see elements of many sources that, for years, were still in development. Solar power, for example, used primarily to heat outdoor swimming pools decades ago, has really come a long way.
- As we move into the future, we need to make sure that the energy sources used to make electricity are clean and efficient. Sources like solar, nuclear, and wind will all be key.
- In the next 5 to 10 years, we are going to see more than products for the early adopters. More affordable choices will be offered ranging in size and price – and available to a broader group of consumers.
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