SAE Update - November 2021 - 9

VP-level insights on
powertrain and propulsion
FOCUS:POWERTRAIN
AND PROPULSION
tribute to one of our key engineering leaders this
century, and we're thrilled to have the support of his
wife, Mary, and children.
In terms of reducing GHG emissions via
electrification, battery performance obviously has a
huge impact. How big an impact does it have relative
to other vehicle systems, and what is the latest news/
development at GM in any of the other systems?
General Motors is committed an all-electric future.
We're driving the industry forward with a wide range
of fun to drive EVs in several sizes and styles to appeal
to all customers. It is our aspiration to only sell electric
vehicles by 2035 in our light-duty portfolio, which
account for 95% of GM's current portfolio.
GM's vision to create a world with zero emissions
isn't limited to creating an all-electric future with cars,
light trucks, and SUVs. HYDROTEC fuel cell power
cubes will drive growth beyond the auto industry,
opening new revenue potential for the company -
including freight trucking, aerospace, power
generation and locomotive - as these industries look
to improve their performance and reduce emissions.
General Motors is the only company developing and
commercializing both hydrogen fuel cells and EV
battery technology. The Ultium Platform and
HYDROTEC fuel cell propulsion systems deliver where
it matters most - performance and cost.
To what extent are you involved in decisions
regarding the type of powertrain to be used in any
given new vehicle model?
As you know, a powertrain is a system that includes
both an internal combustion engine and a torque
transmitting device for example, an automatic
transmission. Prior to 2019, I had a big impact on the
UPDATE
type of powertrains in GM
vehicles. In my current job as
Vice President of Global
Electrification, Controls,
Software and Electronics
(GECSE), I focus exclusively on
propulsion systems for electric
vehicles (which do not have
powertrains).
What is the hardest decision
that you as VP had to make in
2021, and can you describe the
balancing act you had to
perform in arriving at it?
Semiconductor supply remains
an issue that is affecting the
entire industry. My team
continues to work with our
internal and external partners to
find creative solutions to mitigate
the impact of the situation while
keeping the customer interests
as our top priority.
What are some of the other
hard choices you had to make
in 2021?
As the landscape of the
automotive sector evolves,
software has taken a front seat.
Software development
separates high performing
vehicle operation, drivability,
emissions, serviceability and
safety with increased quality
November 2021
9
SAE Update - November 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of SAE Update - November 2021
