ALTERNATIVE ENERGY VEHICLES AND THE SUPPORTING INFRASTRUCTURE

Alternative energy vehicles, including Fuel Cell, Battery Electric and Plug In Hybrid technologies, require substantial infrastructure support for rapid dissemination in the market place. This seminar describes the main characteristics of the Hyundai Fuel Cell and PHEV models, and addresses some of the challenges related to the fueling and charging network available for these vehicles.

Mircea Gradu, Ph.D., joined Hyundai Motor America in May 2014 as Director of Engineering and Quality. Gradu leads the development and implementation of product strategy to improve both the initial quality of Hyundai models and vehicle durability. Gradu has more than 23 years of automotive experience, most recently serving as Vice President and Head of Transmission Powertrain and Driveline Engineering for Chrysler Group LLC. Gradu’s distinguished career includes being the recipient of the 2008 Edward Cole Award for Automotive Innovation, the 2005 Forest McFarland Award and the SAE-Timken Howard Simpson Innovation Award from the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Gradu was appointed SAE Fellow in 2011. Gradu was listed among the 50 most influential automotive executives in 2012 by Motor Trend. He has been awarded 56 patents on mechatronic automotive systems, and published over 40 papers. Gradu holds a Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Stuttgart, Germany and a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of Bucharest. He enjoys classic car driving and restoration, travel and outdoor recreation, including mountain biking, skiing and kiteboarding.