SAE Tomorrow Today

When it comes to cars, it’s not just what’s under the hood that matters — it’s what’s on the scale.   According to a new book, Critical Mass: The One Thing You Need to Know About Green Cars, a vehicle’s damage to the planet can be boiled down to a simple formula: mass multiplied by distance traveled. EVs tend to be around 700 pounds heavier than comparable combustion vehicles which exacerbates tire pollution and road wear issues, creating significant environmental impact beyond just tailpipe emissions.   Listen in as we sit down with authors Nick Molden, founder and CEO of Emissions Analytics, and Felix Leach, Associate Professor of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, to discuss their idea for a weight-based tax system that future-proofs tax revenue while nudging consumers toward lighter, more sustainable vehicles.   We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today — a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform.   Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

What does it take to bring safe, reliable autonomous vehicles to Europe’s roads? From shifting to performance-based regulations for L3 and L4 Systems to the role of human oversight, the European Commission Joint Research Centre is using technology, policy, and collaboration to drive the future of autonomy.   Listen in as we sit down with members Akos Kriston, Officer, Scientific Research for ADAS, and Espedito Rusciano, Programme Manager, Scientific Research for Connected, Automated and Smart Mobility, to discuss the EU’s evolving approach to semi and fully autonomous driving. You’ll learn how projects like HIDDEN are pushing the boundaries of safety in complex urban environments, how the Open Regulatory Framework could shape the next decade of mobility, and why international collaboration is key to success.   We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today — a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform.   Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

The battery supply chain is one of the most complex in the world, built on critical minerals that stretch across continents and raise tough questions about accountability. But how do you bring order and transparency to something so massive? Listen in as we sit down with Frank Menchaca, Founder, Auzolan LLC, and sponsor of SAE International Battery Global Traceability Committee, to explore how a new global standard (SAE J3327) has been developed to tackle EV battery traceability, combat issues like child labor and forced labor, and comply with various government regulations. We’ll also dive into the economic benefits — like cost savings and recycling — and the impact on national security, defense, and data storage. From lessons learned to practical solutions for suppliers of all sizes, this conversation uncovers what a fully transparent, circular battery economy could look like — and why automakers, regulators, and consumers should all pay attention. We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today — a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform.   Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

The staggering energy demands of AI data centers are set to consume 12% of America’s electricity by 2028 — and tech giants are investing billions to secure supply. This leaves robo-taxi operators fighting for scraps in an energy market dominated by hyperscalers who are set to spend $322 billion combined this year alone.   In this Unplugged episode of SAE Tomorrow Today, host Grayson Brulte breaks down why energy is the real roadblock to autonomy and whether bold solutions like natural gas-powered depots could change the game for robo-taxi developers struggling to scale.   Have your own thoughts on this topic? We’d love to hear from you! Share your comments, questions or ideas for future topics with Grayson on Twitter or send them to podcast@sae.org.   Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

From battery-electric trucks to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, the company behind Kenworth, Peterbilt, and DAF is leading the charge toward zero-emissions.   PACCAR is a global technology leader in the design, manufacture, and customer support of premium light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks. The company is also actively investing in zero-emission technologies, positioning itself as a leader in the transition to cleaner commercial vehicles.   To learn more, we sat down with Dr. Philip Stephenson, General Manager, PACCAR Technical Center and Executive Chair of this year’s COMVEC, the annual commercial vehicle engineering conference hosted by SAE International. Listen in for an engaging discussion on PACCAR’s approach to battery-electric trucks, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and charging infrastructure partnerships.   And if you enjoyed this conversation, register now for COMVEC and join us as we bring together industry leaders, engineers, and innovators to discuss the latest advancements in on- and off-highway mobility technologies.   We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform.   Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

From next-gen chipsets to scalable autonomous driving solutions, Magna’s groundbreaking partnership with NVIDIA is paving the way for the next generation of software-defined, AI-powered vehicles.   By harnessing NVIDIA’s new Blackwell GPU architecture to enable ADAS and L2+ through L4 capabilities, Magna is blending its deep automotive expertise with powerful AI compute to redefine what’s possible for both in-vehicle experiences and autonomous driving.   To learn more, we sat down with Steven Jenkins, Vice President of Technology & Strategy at Magna International, to discuss the company’s collaboration with NVIDIA, navigating legacy mindsets, and scaling vehicle intelligence across global markets.   We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform.   Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

The key to unlocking EV efficiency lies in the chemistry of the battery itself — and emerging technologies like lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) tackling range anxiety head-on.   Leading the way is Integrals Power, a UK-based company pushing the boundaries of battery innovation by engineering cells that offer up to 20% more range compared to conventional chemistries. LMFP serves as a drop-in replacement, making it easier for manufacturers to adopt while maintaining safety and extending battery life. By improving cathode chemistry — where up to 30% of battery pack costs lie — the company is positioning itself as a leader in scalable, cost-effective solutions for EV makers.   To learn more, we sat down with Behnam Hormozi, CEO and Founder, to discuss how Integrals Power’s approach to battery design is boosting EV range, cutting costs, and transforming the UK into a global battery powerhouse.   We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform.   Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

Thanks to their fixed routes and predictable environments, commercial vehicles like airport shuttles and public transit buses are proving to be the perfect match for SAE Level 4 automation.   One company at the forefront of this transformation is Fusion Processing, a global leader in automated driving, situational awareness, and control systems. Fusion has logged over 90,000 kilometers of on-highway autonomous driving — more than any other AV company in Europe. Their innovative technologies, including CAVstar and CycleEye, are already delivering tangible benefits in real-world commercial vehicle fleets, from freight to passenger services.   To learn more, we sat down with Jim Hutchinson, Co-Founder and CEO, to discuss the future of transit and how Fusion is working to scale autonomous buses globally.   We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform.   Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

Aerospace is undergoing its biggest shift since the Jet Age, with innovations like supersonic jets, eVTOLs, and drones set to redefine travel and delivery. As we enter this new era of aviation, how will these technologies reshape our daily lives?   In this Unplugged episode of SAE Tomorrow Today, host Grayson Brulte discusses the transformation of aerospace and the impact these new technologies will have on society.   Have your own thoughts on this topic? We’d love to hear from you! Share your comments, questions or ideas for future topics with Grayson on Twitter or send them to podcast@sae.org.   Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

From driver training to vehicle engineering and strategy development, simulation is no longer just a tool — it’s a competitive advantage. Top racing teams are using simulators to optimize car setups, dramatically cutting down on testing time and maximizing on-track performance. But the impact of simulation goes far beyond the racetrack.   With cutting-edge realism and high-bandwidth systems, Dynisma is helping elite drivers stay sharp while accelerating product development for automotive manufacturers. Dynisma Motion Generators (DMGs) create detailed 3-D environments that include driver behavior and environmental factors, and accurately model the physical characteristics of vehicles, such as tire performance and surface interactions.   To learn more, we sat down with Simon Holloway, Commercial Director, to discuss how Dynisma’s data-driven engineering is revolutionizing simulation in both the motorsport and automotive sectors to enhance performance, safety, and efficiency.   We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform.   Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

The signing of the “Big Beautiful Bill” by President Trump is poised to end both the $7,500 new EV tax credit as well as the $4,000 used EV tax credit on September 30. If these EV tax credits go away, what happens? Do EV sales slow down dramatically? Or do they hold steady? How will automakers and battery manufacturers react?   In this Unplugged episode of SAE Tomorrow Today, host Grayson Brulte discusses how the end of EV tax credits could impact new and used EV sales, consumer behavior, and the broader battery manufacturing industry.   Have your own thoughts on this topic? We’d love to hear from you! Share your comments, questions or ideas for future topics with Grayson on Twitter or send them to podcast@sae.org.   Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

What happens after an AV crashes? That split-second response can make all the difference—and that’s exactly what the Automated Vehicle Safety Consortium (AVSC) is focused on.   Backed by decades of engineering and mobility expertise, the AVSC brings together top minds in AV development to align on critical safety issues. Their latest work tackles one of the most urgent: how these vehicles should react and communicate after a crash. As AVs expand from test fleets to real-world deployments, the industry needs clear guidance now more than ever.   Listen in as we sit down with Jonathan Barentine, Principal Engineer at the AVSC, to discuss the organization’s just-released best practices for automated driving systems in the moments following a collision. You’ll learn how the AVSC is working with first responders, manufacturers, and policymakers to develop scenario-based protocols that prioritize effective communication, safety management, and a culture of accountability.   We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform.   Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

The new test track isn’t asphalt—it’s AI and simulation. From hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) to real-time performance analytics, new innovations are reshaping how vehicles are designed, validated, and brought to market.   At the forefront of this transformation is A&D Technology, a leader in integrated test automation and lab management solutions for the transportation and energy markets. By integrating AI-driven analytics with high-fidelity simulation environments, the company is empowering automotive engineers to streamline testing workflows, reduce physical prototypes, and accelerate innovation in everything from EV powertrains to autonomous systems.   To learn more, we sat down with Mike Uhl, President & CEO, to discuss how A&D Technology’s work in simulation and test automation is helping engineers bring the next generation of mobility technologies to life.   We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform.   Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

Despite decades of progress, the number of women in engineering remains stubbornly low — especially in aerospace and mechanical engineering. But that isn’t stopping the winner of the Aerospace/Defense category in the inaugural Women in Engineering: Rising Star Awards.   Heather Cummings is Senior Engineer, Flight Controls & Autonomy for Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company. She leads the development of hybrid electric propulsion controls and vehicle management systems for Sikorsky’s next-gen HEX and RBW, including groundbreaking work on fully autonomous cargo aircraft. A licensed pilot, Heather is passionate about improving flight safety through automation and mentoring the next generation of aspiring engineers.   In this special episode, Heather and Chitra Sethi, Director of Editorial & Digital Content, SAE Media Group, discuss the mission behind the Rising Star Awards, the importance of visibility for women in STEM, and why inspiring the next generation is just as critical as technological innovation.   If you’d like to nominate a trailblazing female engineer (or yourself), visit www.techbriefs.com/rsa. Nominations close on July 22, 2025. Winners will be spotlighted across SAE Media Group’s publications, websites, e-newsletters, and social media channels.   To learn more about Sikorsky, check out our previous episode with Heather’s co-worker, Igor Cherepinsky, on the future of vertical lift.   We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform.   Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

If you were to build the perfect use case for the potential of digital engineering, you would be hard-pressed to choose a better sector than the defense industry. That’s why the Pentagon isn’t just intrigued by digital engineering—it’s made it mandatory.   As the U.S. military targets groundbreaking technology improvements that safeguard lives and improve defense capabilities, Ansys is helping connect the dots between people, processes, and technology with the predictive power of simulation. Establishing a digital engineering ecosystem, including digital twins, contributes to the resilience and adaptability of innovations across industries.   To learn more, we sat down with Dr. Armond E. Sinclair, Sr. Technical Account Executive for Ansys Government Initiatives, to discuss how digital engineering is enabling smarter decision-making, reducing costs, and accelerating innovation at the Department of Defense (DoD) and beyond.   We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform.   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAEInternational/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/SAEIntl LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sae-international/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/saeintl/   Follow host Grayson Brulte: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graysonbrulte Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/gbrulte Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gbrulte/

One failure can reshape public trust in EVs overnight. That’s why every detail matters—and why collaboration across the entire EV ecosystem is critical.   Even small components like battery pack vents play an outsized role in preventing thermal runaway events, explosions, and fires. The SAE Battery Pack Venting Committee understands this challenge and answered the call with the new SAE J3325™ Technical Information Report—a guide to designing, testing, and integrating battery vents that perform when it matters most.   To dive deeper, we spoke with Dr. Michael Harenbrock, Principal Expert of Electric Mobility at MANN+HUMMEL GmbH, and chair of the SAE Battery Pack Venting Committee, about how SAE J3325 is helping engineers enhance EV battery safety—and how their work evolves to keep pace with emerging ventilation technologies and trends.   Want to help shape the future of EV safety? Join an SAE Committee today! Contact Standards Specialist Dante Rahdar at dante.rahdar@sae.org.   We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform.   Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

What does it really take to electrify America’s fleets? From skyrocketing insurance rates to policy risks to reduced incentives, the market dynamics are complex.   Enter Electrada, a Cincinnati-based EV infrastructure company revolutionizing how fleets transition to clean energy. As the developer, owner, and operator of electric fueling assets, Electrada offers a unique 360 Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS) model that delivers zero capital investment, 99%+ uptime, predictable pricing, and expert management. Serving all fleet types across multiple transportation sectors, Electrada designs fully tailored, long-term EV charging solutions that reduce cost per mile from day one with no operational disruptions or price risk.   Listen in as we sit down with Kevin Kushman, CEO of Electrada, to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the North American fleet electrification market.   We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform.   Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

As OEMs race to deliver new vehicle lineups with greater speed and efficiency, the industry finds itself navigating a complex crossroads between full EVs and hybrid models.   That’s where ENNOVI steps in. With a focus on smarter battery management and cutting-edge electrical architecture, ENNOVI is staying agile—offering the right product mix to help OEMs and suppliers ride the wave of electrification, battery technology improvements, and market shifts without missing a beat.   Listen in as we sit down with Ron Puhl, Global Director of Engineering and Product Portfolio, to discuss how ENNOVI’s Current Collector System (CCS) is helping to improve the overall package size of batteries while reducing costs. It’s a unique discussion with deep insight into consumer EV demand and industry trends.    We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform.   Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

Labor shortages are pushing many family farms to the brink. The solution? Autonomous technology which is emerging as a game-changer—boosting productivity, cutting risk, and giving family farms a fighting chance to thrive for generations to come.   At the forefront of this transformation is Blue River Technology, a John Deere subsidiary leading the charge in precision agriculture. From AI-driven tools to autonomous machinery, the company is helping to build the future of farming the John Deere way, meeting farmers in the field and designing solutions grounded in real-world challenges.   With safety and scalability built in, farmers can start small with retrofit kits that upgrade existing tractors, making automation more accessible than ever.   To learn more, we caught up with Aaron Wells, Director of Engineering at Blue River, to explore how automation is transforming agriculture and giving farmers the tools they need to stay ahead—despite labor challenges.   We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don’t forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today—a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen—and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform.   Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

After delivering sharp, witty insights on automation, EVs, and sustainability, Roberto Baldwin’s time on SAE Tomorrow Today Briefs is wrapping up, but for listeners, the journey’s just getting interesting.   In his final episode, Roberto shares what’s next: joining the SAE Media Group to cover even more of the mobility universe—from traditional gas-powered vehicles to EVs, automation, aerospace and student engineers shaping tomorrow. Expect new videos, articles, and yes… a new podcast.   Tune in for his final sign-off (with a few laughs and lots of heart) and follow his journey at sustainablecareers.sae.org, sae.org/news, and youtube.com/@saeinternational.   And if you're looking for thoughtful discussions on the future of mobility, be sure to check out SAE Tomorrow Today, hosted by Grayson Brulte. New episodes drop every Thursday and offer deep dives into the people and technologies shaping our industry.   Follow SAE on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow host Grayson Brulte on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.