Professor Mark Johnson graduated from the University of Cambridge with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering in 1986. Since then, it’s fair to say he’s put that qualification to effective use. Mark led the UK academic community, as Director of the EPSRC Centre for Power Electronics and was leader of the Advanced Propulsion Centre Power Electronics Spoke. He is Power Electronics Director for AEM and holds a personal Chair at the University of Nottingham.
Mark’s personal research expertise is in power devices, power electronics packaging, thermal management, reliability and integration. He also has considerable experience of managing large and complex technical projects involving industry and academic partners.
In his thought-provoking address at our COP26 event, Mark will lift the lid on the challenges the automotive sector faces when it comes to producing power electronics systems that are sustainable, affordable and resilient.
Setting out this extremely complex issue in layman’s terms, Mark will explain the critical function performed by power electronics in electric vehicle powertrains, before considering the rapid scale-up in production that is required over the coming decade.
This presentation will demonstrate that not all EV powertrains are made equal, and not all EVs are truly ‘green’ at all. Until rare earth mining practices are stopped, and a more serious approach to recycling is adopted, the production of power electronics will continue to contribute to the mounting global e-waste issue.
Mark believes, however, that with some innovation and commitment, the power electronics systems of the future can be sustainable, cost-effective, and produced in the volumes the industry needs.
For ideas from some of the automotive and engineering sectors’ brightest minds, be sure to join us for N.EAST at 15:00 on 10 November at COP26 in Glasgow or virtually via COP26’s YouTube live channel.