Foresight Vehicle Technology Roadmap - Institute for Manufacturing

4.1 Engine and PowertrainScopeThe engine and powertrain (E&PT) technology theme includes the following vehicle functions andsystems: On-vehicle fuel filling systems and fuel types Conversion of energy in fuel to useful mechanical power Transmission of power to wheel hub Associated and auxiliary systems such as air flows, after treatment, lubrication systems,generators, alternators, climate control.Market and industry trends and drivers that are particularly relevant to this technology theme include:SocialEconomicEnvironmentalTechnologicalPoliticalInfrastructuralDemand for greater vehicle adaptability (configurability, upgradeability and modularity)and vehicle performance (to meet different consumer needs and driving styles), andreduced vehicle noise.Competitive pressure to reduce development and manufacturing cycle times and costs, andto improve responsiveness, agility, flexibility, durability, efficiency and quality, in order toachieve greater profitability and return on capital.Requirement for improved fuel efficiency and to reduce engine weight and emissions ofCO 2 and other greenhouse gases (during manufacture and use of vehicles), noxious andhazardous emissions such as particulates, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphurdioxide, lead, benzene and ozone.Competition to develop innovative solutions in the areas of engine and powertrainsolutions for new fuel types, including hybrid and fuel tolerant IC engines, new enginematerials and lubricants, together with electronics, sensors and software (for both enginemanagement and design & manufacture).UK Government, European and international policy, regulation and legislation concerningtransport, energy, CO 2 and other emissions, health & safety and waste management.The need to develop new engine solutions in parallel to developments in fuel and energyinfrastructure.Development of engine and powertrain technologies, together with associated research challenges,have been explored in an expert workshop that identified and considered the following themes,summarised below and detailed in Appendix C: Thermal and mechanical efficiency Performance and drivability Emissions (pollution and noise) Reliability and durability Speed to market and cost Weight and sizeNote that there is some overlap with Section 4.2 (hybrid, electric and alternatively fuelled vehicles).19