Dr. Kaushik Rajashekara's Insights on Electric and Hybrid Propulsion Systems: A Journey from GM to Rolls-Royce
Key Ideas
  • Dr. Kaushik Rajashekara discusses his extensive career experience in electric vehicles, fuel cell technology, and solid oxide fuel cells, highlighting the transition from prototype to production.
  • He emphasizes the advantages of hydrogen fuel cells for heavy-duty vehicles and aviation applications, citing quicker refueling and lighter weight for longer distances compared to batteries.
  • Dr. Rajashekara addresses challenges in hydrogen adoption such as the 'chicken and egg' problem, slow progress due to high costs, and the need for more refueling stations.
  • NewHydrogen, Inc. is developing ThermoLoop™, a technology that aims to produce the world's lowest cost green hydrogen by using water and heat directly, potentially revolutionizing green hydrogen production.
Dr. Kaushik Rajashekara, a Distinguished Professor of Engineering at the University of Houston, shared his insights on electric and hybrid propulsion systems in a podcast hosted by NewHydrogen, Inc. The discussion delved into Dr. Rajashekara's career journey, starting from his work at General Motors in the late 1980s on electric vehicles like the EV1 and his contributions to fuel cell technology, including advancements in hydrogen fuel cells. He also touched on his work with solid oxide fuel cells at Rolls-Royce, focusing on power generation for different applications. Addressing challenges in hydrogen adoption, Dr. Rajashekara highlighted the obstacles related to infrastructure development for fuel cell vehicles and the slow progress in this sector due to cost limitations and inadequate refueling stations. He suggested that hydrogen fuel cells are better suited for heavy-duty vehicles and aviation, while battery electric vehicles are more efficient for passenger transport. The discussion also explored the potential applications of hydrogen in aviation, emphasizing the benefits of hydrogen over batteries in aircraft due to faster refueling times and lighter weight for longer distances. Dr. Rajashekara expressed optimism about hydrogen's role in sustainable transportation, particularly in heavy-duty and aviation sectors, despite acknowledging the challenges in the passenger vehicle market. NewHydrogen, Inc. is developing ThermoLoop™, a technology that aims to produce green hydrogen using water and heat directly, bypassing the expensive electricity production process. By leveraging inexpensive heat sources like concentrated solar and geothermal energy, the company aims to significantly reduce the cost of green hydrogen production and contribute to the growth of the green hydrogen economy. Overall, Dr. Rajashekara's insights shed light on the potential of hydrogen fuel cells in revolutionizing transportation and energy sectors, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future.
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