Time: 
Wednesday, June 18 at 2:00pm

Moderator: Shobhit Gupta, GM

Speakers:

• Chunhao (Joseph) Lee, Tech fellow at GM
•  Scott Hotz, Founder and CEO Simplify Tech LLC
• Hareesh Parepalli, Lucid Motors
• Dr. Caleb Secrest, Global lead – Borgwarner electrified propulsion system controls 

Abstract: The electrification of powertrains represents a pivotal step toward sustainable mobility, yet achieving their full potential demands the integration of advanced controls, optimization techniques, and cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). This panel convenes leading experts to explore how AI/ML-driven strategies are transforming the design, operation, and performance of next-generation electrified powertrains. Key topics include intelligent energy management systems, real-time adaptive control algorithms, predictive thermal optimization, and data-driven approaches to enhance efficiency, extend range, and improve reliability. Panelists will also tackle critical challenges such as battery degradation, thermal management, and seamless system integration under dynamic driving conditions. Join us to uncover how the synergy of AI/ML, controls, and optimization is shaping the future of electrified transportation, delivering smarter, cleaner, and more efficient mobility solutions.

Time: Wednesday, June 18 at 2:00pm

Moderator:Herb Schlickenmaier

Speakers:

• Vince Schultz, NASA EPFD Regulations & Standards Lead
• Herb Schlickenmaier, Regulations & Standards SME HS Advanced Concepts LLC
• Christoph Gentser, Chair, ATSM F44, Diamond Aircraft
• Ed Lovelace, Chair, SAE E-40, Ampaire
• Kevin Bruce, Chair, ASTM F39.05 Working Group on Battery ESS for Propulsion
• Michael Walz, FAA Certification Policy for Electric Engines
• Regis Ressotto, EASA Certification Specialist for Electric Engines

Time: Wednesday, June 18 at 4:00pm

Moderator: Zuzhao Ye

Speakers:

• Aaron Katzenstein, South Coast Air Quality Management District
• Brent Buffington, Southern California Edison
• Nanpeng Yu, University of California, Riverside
• Jacob Richard, CALSTART
• Chaitanya Inamdar, Kenworth Truck Company , Paccar, Inc,

Description:

 Electrifying medium- and heavy-duty vehicles is critical for reducing emissions, improving air quality, and building a more sustainable transportation sector. However, the transition faces significant challenges, including high upfront costs, limited charging infrastructure, and power grid constraints. Fleets remain hesitant due to operational uncertainties, creating a “chicken-and-egg” dilemma for investing in charging networks and power grid upgrades, which must be strategically sited and scaled to ensure cost-effectiveness. This panel will explore strategies for overcoming these barriers through coordinated infrastructure development, fleet electrification planning, regulatory incentives, and innovative business models. Experts will discuss how to align industry stakeholders, utilities, and policymakers to accelerate adoption while demonstrating the long-term economic benefits of electrification.

Time: Wednesday, June 18 at 4:00pm

Moderator: Gaudy Bezos-O’Connor, NASA EPFD

Speakers:

• Zubair Baig, P&W
• Ben Loxton, MagniX
• Christine Andrews, GE
• Ed Lovelace, Ampaire
• Jeff Engler, Wright Electric

Time: Thursday, June 19 at 2:00pm

Moderator:Fengyu Wang, New Mexico State University

Speakers:

• Dr. Liang Sun, Associate Professor, Baylor University
• Dr. Nick Gunady, CEO, Aerovy
• Dr. Di Shi, Associate Professor, New Mexico State University
• Dr. Jeffery Saunders, Technical Fellow, Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation

Description:

This panel will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers to provide a holistic overview of the opportunities and challenges associated with aviation electrification. The discussions aim to 1) drive collaboration among stakeholders to address key barriers to electrified aviation. 2) showcase cutting-edge research and technologies shaping the future of eVTOL. 3) offer actionable insights into creating sustainable and equitable electrification pathways.

Time: Thursday, June 19 at 2:00pm

Organizer: Xiaofeng Yang

Speakers:

• Dr. Tiefu Zhao, UNC Charlotte, USA
• Dr. Zhongbei Tian, University of Birmingham, UK
• Dr. Xiaofeng Yang, Beijing Jiaotong University, China
• Dr. Zhongping Yang, Beijing Jiaotong University, China

Description:

With the rapid development of global rail transportation, the world is actively promoting rail energy transformation. The demand of Safe and advanced low-carbon rail transportation electrification technologies is essential to guarantee the operation of rail transit. In recent years, emerging technologies such as high-efficiency power supply, energy conversion, safe challenges, condition monitoring, lifecycle health management, renewable energy integration and AI technologies have emerged continuously. The deep integration of these technologies will support safer and low-carbon rail transportation electrification system. Therefore, this panel invited relevant experts to discuss safe and advanced low -carbon rail transit electrification technologies. All scholars from industry and academia who are interested in this field are welcome to join this panel. Let’s explore related technologies in depth and promote technological progress.

Time: Thursday, June 19 at 4:00pm

Moderator: Weihan Li

Speakers:

• Valentin Sulzer, CEO, Ionworks
• Yuzhang Li, Assistant Professor, UCLA
• Weihan Li, Junior Professor, RWTH Aachen University
• Xin Wu, Technology-to-Market Advisor, ARPA-E

Description:

 As battery technology plays a key role in the global shift toward sustainable energy, staying up-to-date on these advancements is crucial for improving the efficiency, reliability, and lifespan of energy storage systems. This session will dive into the technical aspects of battery modeling, diagnostics, and aging prediction, with a focus on both automotive and stationary applications. Our expert speakers will explore new methods for simulating battery behavior, introduce cutting-edge diagnostic tools for real-time issue detection, and highlight advanced techniques for predicting battery lifespan. By combining physics-based and data-driven approaches, we’ll demonstrate how these innovations are transforming battery development, management, and optimization to allow for more accurate predictions, adaptive diagnostics, and smarter optimizations.