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Harley-Davidson's e-bike shocker (video) Is the motorcycle market ready for a Harley-Davidson EV? Project LiveWire was designed to provide answers, said Chief Engineer Jeff Richlen. Airbus has its eye on the future of cleaner flight CleanSky 2 targets are to increase aircraft fuel efficiency enough to reduce CO2 emissions by 20-30% and reduce aircraft NOx and noise emissions by 20-30% compared to newly designed aircraft entering into service in 2014-or essentially halve 2005 CO2 emissions levels by 2050. Soul EV extends the range frontier (video) Specially formulated NCM battery cells are key in giving the vehicle class-leading EV range while enabling engineers to fit a high-energy-density battery pack underfloor with little sacrifice of passenger cabin space.

Into the DEAP The Distributed Electrical Aerospace Propulsion project looks toward a future optimized integrated propulsion system that will allow cleaner, quieter, and more efficient performance incorporated into a radically innovative airframe that will feature enclosed electrically powered fans.

A new Formula for racing The new Formula E series' electric racecars are intended to pioneer new technology for broader use in production, encouraging fans to think differently about the technologies they use. Production of satellite with first all-electric propulsion system advances Electric propulsion has been limited so far to small movements of the satellites once it is in its geostationary orbit. The Boeing 702SP innovation is its use of electric propulsion to raise the satellite from its launch-vehicle drop-off point to geostationary orbit. Using CAE to assess whining noise of electric powertrains To develop an electric powertrain with a minimum noise level and minimized whining it is necessary to have accurate CAE simulation and precise criteria to assess whining noise.

One souped-up EV North Carolina-based Li-ion Motors draws upon the region's motorsports heritage to engineer and build what it calls the world's first all American-made electric supercar. Inductive charging gets green flag U.K.-based start-up HaloIPT partners with Drayson Racing to bring 'dynamic' wireless charging to electric racecars.

Bringing the Leaf to life Chief Engineer Hidetoshi Kadota leveraged 20-plus years of electrification experience in the development of Nissan's new EV. Making a mass-market EV Nissan's Director of Product Planning and Advanced Technology Strategy details the leaf's journey from concept to production. Power from within A new motor and inverter system have been developed simultaneously as the dedicated electric powertrain of the Nissan EV. Staying within range The Leaf comes standard with many features designed to help ease fears of running out of "juice."

Why Volt? After 48 months' development, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt has enetered series production. The pioneering "E-REV" is as important to the mobility industry as it is to GM. Creating the heart of Volt GM's battery requirements meant creating new state-of-the-art in-vehicle engery storage - and doing it in less than four years. Top GM and supplier engineers reveal how they did it. Engineering with maniacal focus A dedicated, cohesive team and a conservative engineering approach put this innovative vehicle into production at moon-shot speed. A unique electrified transaxle Hybrid or not? Definitions aside, what really matters is GM wisely leveraged its next-generation Two Mode propulsion technology to give Volt greater overall efficiency. Sweating the body details Extensive wind-tunnel work gave Volt a shape that's slicker than it looks. But engineers aren't happy with the curb weight.

Lithium-ion refinement Even as high-profile fires create concern, battery and car makers accelerate their move toward lithium-ion technology with advances in cost, performance, and safety. NASA's quest for maximum efficiency As part of its hybrid body wing aircraft with turboelectric distributed propulsion system, NASA has proposed to use a superconducting and cryogenic electrical system to connect the electrical output of the generators to the motors.

Fuel cells for auxiliary power OEM and supplier researchers explore the benefits of utilizing solid-oxide fuel-cell APUs to help meet heavy-duty truck anti-idling requirements. Safer EV batteries could enter the crush zone ARPA-e targets "robust" batteries that not only bear loads but also absorb crash-impact energy to save weight.

In hybrid systems, mild beats wild The coming wave of 48-v mild hybrids aim for maximum benefit at minimal cost.

Alternative fuels heat up This is a rich time for combustion researchers. The need for better fuel efficiency and improved emissions has never been greater. New software model to help engine makers meet diesel soot standards Simulation enables engineers to predict particulate formation early in the design process.

Rotary SI/CI combustion engines: A thing of the future? The internal combustion engine enjoys widespread use as an inexpensive and reliable power conversion system. While piston engines date back 150 years, various alternative engine architectures and cycles have been considered. Aftertreatment comes with challenging diagnosis Diagnosing engine and aftertreatment systems is forcing design teams to look at new ways to diagnose problems over long vehicle lifetimes. Taking on NVH reduction techniques A look at the enhanced durability benefits obtained by changing the polymer composition, manufacturing methods, and design optimization of a powertrain mount for an off-highway vehicle.

Integration opens the door Semiconductor suppliers are integrating many functions into power devices while also cutting power consumption in an environment, automotive doors, where 8-bit microcontrollers still hold sway.

Democratisation of Technology Ian Adcock caught up with Andreas Schamel, Quest for the self-propelled car A team of experts is working to integrate batteries into structural components, in a move that could not only lead to the efficiency and range of vehicles being increased, but ultimately see them powered by their own body structures. Ryan Borroff reports Flexible and intelligent Engine management systems are becoming increasingly complex, in order to cope with a wider range of fuels, as well as tougher legislation. Chris Edwards reports

UK plc? It's the only place to be! Where is the best location for global car makers and suppliers to grow their businesses and research and development? The UK, says AIO's Joe Greenwell, without hesitation. Ian Adcock reports Time for a rethink A free-piston IC generator has been developed for range-extended hybrids. Steven Ashley looks at the implications One champ, two contenders Breakthrough battery technology and electric power assist are the key factors that will accelerate the transition to 48 volts, says Ian Adcock

Spotlight on Bernard Gilmont Ian Adcock talks with the European Aluminium Association director about light weighting and improved vehicle efficiency Hydrogen: The Power Broker Andrew English on the challenges of storing hydrogen, using metal-organic frameworks Bridging the gap In an Automotive Design exclusive, Richard Yarrow reveals the secrets behind Harman's interconnected infotainment technology

UMich-Ann Arbor team takes home Baja season's Iron Team Award Cornell University also had a strong 2014 season, but not strong enough to fend off Michigan Baja Racing. Georgia Tech and Warsaw University were double-winners at SAE Aero Design competitions University of Akron and University of Cincinnati were the other winners at the twin 3-class competitions, the former setting a record in the process. West Coast teams win 2 of 3 Formula SAE events Oregon State captures its fifth crown while Jose State enjoys its first overall victory and UPenn tops the electric field. Taking action early to conquer the STEM crisis Interest in STEM subjects falls precipitously as students progress through elementary and middle school.

Teams make unique statements at FSAE Michigan Some statements produced better results than others, but all teams walked away from the 2014 FSAE Michigan event with invaluable hands-on engineering experience. Teams get 'super' results at SAE Supermileage University students from around the world gathered in Marshall, MI, to determine which team could achieve the highest fuel economy at the 353th anniversary of the competition. Competition winners react to attaining coveted F1 engineering roles Two of the winners have Formula SAE experience on their side.

All about the engine The University of Wisconsin-Madison team increases engine displacement and implements exhaust gas recirculation to maintain winning ways in SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge. Fluid mechanics of diesel injection studied at Penn State Special photography method helps student researchers get a better look at spray patterns. Under new management A senior-heavy squad from Minnesota State University, Mankato, takes a different approach to team dynamics and jumps 34 spots to 17th overall at the 2016 Formula SAE Michigan competition.

Finding success on an international track Student members of the University of Missouri's Formula SAE team are learning firsthand that international collaboration is the future of engineering. A vision. A car. A cause. New Mexico State Aggies are tough enough to race pink. CyberAuto Challenge helps close talent gap Having a supply of high-quality young engineers is key to beefing up the automotive industry's cyber defenses.

Buckeye Current's TT triumph The Ohio State University reprised its third-place finish in the 2014 TT Zero for all-electric motorcycles, beating some of the pros on the world's toughest race circuit. Kettering FSAE team improved as season progressed Lowest priced may not mean the best, but certainly not the worst. Leveling the field: getting #girlsinstem Despite facing the brunt of gender segregation, women are forging ahead and dramatically improving STE M, both academically and professionally. Mercedes-AMG's SLS departure opens door to new GT Powering the car is an all-new biturbo 4.0-L V8 available with two power levels: hot (GT) at 340 kW (456 hp) and exceedingly hot (GTS) at 375 kW (503 hp).