In his inaugural lecture, Deputy Director of the PVRC in the University's Department of Mechanical Engineering, Professor Chris Brace discusses what the future holds for automotive propulsion.

During the 20th century the growth of affordable personal mobility changed the way we live and work. Today the passenger car as we know it is under increasing pressure from changing expectations, including air quality, safety, sustainability and CO2. In addition, driver needs and expectations are changing as we move to a more urban way of living.

This lecture sets out some of the challenges ahead and examines some likely directions that personal mobility will take in the future. Once we have an idea of future developments, what will the implications be for powertrain research?