FOCUS:POWERTRAIN AND PROPULSION Systems engineering: fueling a powertrain revolution A Bosch fuel-cell power module. As the development of vehicle electrification systems becomes more complex, there is a greater urgency to assess the impact that electric consumables have on internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) performance. " The Criticality of a Systems Approach to Today's Propulsion Environment " roundtable talk at the 2021 WCX Digital Summit explored the challenges and trade-offs. The panel included several notable executives familiar with the applications and management of electrification on battery and powertrain/ propulsion systems. Here are some of the discussion 16 November 2021 highlights, by topic/proposition. The transition to electrification has opened the door to automotive innovation. Systems engineering is a multidisciplinary approach that involves continually evaluating all operational stages to ensure a problem is solved effectively and efficiently. Panelist Mazen Hammoud, Director of Powertrain Strategy and Planning at Ford Motor Company, explained that while the systems approach has been applied to the powertrain in ICE vehicles, it's mainly been for the purpose of minimizing waste and recouping energy that was otherwise lost. UPDATE Bosch