International Congress : SIA POWERTRAIN 2024

36th SIA Powertrain Congress Focused on Decarbonization Solutions for Road Mobility

The 36th SIA Powertrain Congress, a significant event in the automotive sector, was held in Lille on June 19 and 20, 2024. It focused on decarbonization solutions for all modes of road transport, drawing a large number of participants who engaged with a diverse and comprehensive program.

600 experts gathered at the Palais des Congrès to attend 52 workshops covering critical topics related to the energy transition in the automotive industry. These workshops included discussions on electric propulsion, advancements in battery technology, power electronics, hydrogen combustion engines, fuel cells, lifecycle assessments, platform architecture, and regulatory changes. The emphasis was on exploring innovative technologies and approaches to reduce the carbon footprint of road transport.

The congress featured plenary sessions where renowned experts shared their insights on legislative developments across different continents, the carbon footprint of vehicle production and use, and the specific impacts of electric and hydrogen vehicles. The first plenary session focused on these topics, providing a broad perspective on the global legislative landscape and its implications for the automotive sector. The second plenary session shifted focus to the energy transition of heavy-duty vehicles and Stellantis's multi-energy platforms, highlighting the strides being made in these areas.

In addition to the workshops and plenary sessions, the congress hosted two round table discussions. The first round table concentrated on the skills and resources necessary for an automotive industry revolution, with a particular focus on the development of the new "Battery Valley" in Hauts-de-France. This discussion underscored the importance of regional initiatives and the role of specialized skills in driving the industry's transformation. The second round table explored the future evolution of powertrains up to 2035 and beyond, addressing long-term strategies and technological advancements.

The central hall of the Palais des Congrès served as a hub for networking and information exchange, with over 55 automotive actors showcasing their products and services. This exhibition provided attendees with an opportunity to see the latest innovations in the industry and discuss potential collaborations. Eight demonstration vehicles were also on display, illustrating the wide range of mobility solutions discussed during the congress. These vehicles included everything from electric cargo bikes to hydrogen-powered heavy trucks, showcasing the breadth of technologies being developed to address different segments of road transport.

The congress also provided a platform for students to present their academic and internship projects through posters. This initiative has been a part of the congress for several years, fostering the next generation of engineers and researchers. The first prize in this category was awarded to a team from IFP School for their optimized energy management system for a fuel cell vehicle, highlighting the importance of innovative research and development in advancing decarbonization efforts.

Overall, the 36th SIA Powertrain Congress successfully brought together industry experts, researchers, and students to discuss and explore solutions for reducing the carbon footprint of road transport. The event emphasized the importance of technological innovation, legislative support, and collaborative efforts in achieving a sustainable future for the automotive industry.