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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.

Putting electrification to work For fleets, going green is a high priority-but making green is an even higher one. A move to 'more electric' engines Researchers detail a motor control design for the fuel system of a more electric aero engine, focusing on the necessary safety and reliability aspects. 2012-13 Hybrid Vehicles Guide A quick reference to the latest production HEVs and their key specifications.

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.

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.

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).

The comeback car The Cal Poly Pomona FSAE Team implements several measures to help overcome setbacks and achieve a podium finish at Formula SAE Lincoln. Going deep The uBox concept car developed as part of Clemson's Deep Orange program features a uniquely formed roof part. Creating a monster North Dakota State University SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge team brings to life a war-torn engine pieced together with parts from another.

Behind-the-scenes methods have made MRacing, the team from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, a consistent contender in the Formula SAE student design competition. Presenting their winning aero design to the SAE International Board of Directors, University of Akron students tell a story of engineering excellence and resiliency. Presenting their winning aero design to the SAE International Board of Directors, University of Akron students tell a story of engineering excellence and resiliency. Eleven students from Montreal university journey to Seattle for an education on aerospace technology and aerospace careers.

Have diesel will race (and learn) Mazda's factory SkyActiv diesel race program switched to the Prototype class in 2014, teaching the SpeedSource team valuable engineering lessons for 2015. Starting and developing an engineering career: barriers and opportunities Very strong role models who have a marked enthusiasm for their subject are needed at every point along an employee's education and work career. The knock on gasoline engines Two major strategies to increase the efficiency of SI engines are to raise the compression ratio and to downsize the engine using a turbocharger, but both have issues with knock. Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Sloan Automotive Laboratory tackle the problem. Minecraft: getting kids into coding Stephen Foster, CEO and Co-founder of THOUGHTSTEM, has a new outlook on STEM education and the utilities that can be used to get kids involved in software coding.