Future Engineering Bets

Fred Warner
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Future Engineering Bets is for CEOs, board members, and private equity investors, making high-stakes decisions in electrification, energy transition, and advanced engineering strategy. Get a boardroom-level view of engineering decisions that shape billions in capital investment and define the future of automotive and mobility. Hosted by Fred Warner, partner & adviser, with a career spanning F1, hydrogen fuel cell, aerospace, and rail, the series explores the real trade-offs behind major product and technology bets across automotive, aerospace, and advanced propulsion. Each episode breaks down the engineering, commercial, and strategic realities behind topics such as: • Electric vehicles and the global EV transition • Hybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustion • Hydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systems • Product strategy and R&D investment decisions at OEM and Tier 1 level • Market differences across Europe, the US, and China • The impact of regulation versus real consumer demand If you are responsible for product direction, capital allocation, or technology strategy, this podcast is designed to help you think more clearly about where to place your next bet.

  1. hace 5 días

    Honda: The Future Is Bigger Than EVs with Patrick Keating | Future Engineering Bets

    What happens when government targets move faster than consumers are willing, or able, to follow? In this episode of Future Engineering Bets, Fred Warner speaks with Patrick Keating, Head of External Affairs at Honda Europe, about the growing divide between EV policy and market reality. With the UK’s ZEV mandate under review and manufacturers facing mounting regulatory and commercial pressure, Patrick explains why Honda believes sustainable mobility requires more than a single prescribed technology. From hybrids and charging inequality to hydrogen, e-fuels and the future of the internal combustion engine, the conversation examines what a more practical transition could look like. It also asks whether current policy is protecting consumer choice and industrial competitiveness, or making the journey to lower-carbon transport harder than it needs to be. What’s in this episode: Patrick Keating's perspective on the UK’s ZEV mandateWhy EV targets are moving faster than real-world consumer demandHonda’s multi-pathway approach to sustainable mobilityThe case for full hybrids and plug-in hybridsCharging inequality and the higher costs facing some driversThe potential impact of pay-per-mile taxation on EV adoptionWhere hydrogen fuel cells and e-fuels could fit into the future transport mixWhy policymakers need to consider the wider consequences of technology mandates Chapters: 00:00 Introducing Patrick Keating of Honda Europe 00:31 The UK ZEV mandate vs consumer demand 03:33 Can the automotive industry survive to 2030? 04:13 Honda’s multi-pathway approach 08:45 Europe’s changing EV policy 11:41 The wider impact of heavy EVs 17:09 Should governments choose the technology? 21:56 The EV charging poverty premium 29:59 Pay-per-mile taxation and consumer confidence 32:46 The long-term role of hybrids 40:02 Hydrogen fuel cells and e-fuels 44:54 Honda’s message to policymakers About Future Engineering Bets: Future Engineering Bets is for CEOs, boards, and private equity investors making high-stakes decisions in electrification, energy transition, and advanced engineering strategy. Get a boardroom-level view of the engineering decisions shaping billions in capital investment and defining the future of automotive and mobility. Each episode breaks down the engineering, commercial, and strategic realities behind topics such as: Electric vehicles and the global EV transitionHybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustionHydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systemsProduct strategy and R&D investment at OEM and Tier 1 levelMarket dynamics across Europe, the US, and ChinaThe impact of regulation versus real consumer demand If you are responsible for product direction, capital allocation, or technology strategy, this series will help you think more clearly about where to place your next bet. About Fred Warner: Fred Warner, Founder of 7Q Ltd (https://7q.ltd/), is a specialist partner and Chartered Engineer connecting capital investment with no nonsense value creation. With a background spanning motorsport, aerospace, automotive, clean tech, rail, and electronics - including experience across F1, Honeywell, GE, and Meggitt - Fred works with CEOs, boards, and investors on high stakes engineering and R&D programmes. Connect with Fred on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-warner/

  2. 17 ago

    Where Automotive Is Getting It Wrong | Future Engineering Bets

    From overweight EVs to billion-pound write-downs, automotive is facing some uncomfortable questions. In this episode, Fred Warner reflects on four major themes emerging from recent conversations across motorsport, electrification, hydrogen, university innovation and advanced engineering. From the growing weight of EVs to the slow commercialisation of university IP, the episode looks at where engineering ambition, regulation, capital allocation and real-world delivery are starting to collide. Fred also explores what automotive and engineering businesses can learn from motorsport: faster problem-solving, stronger alignment and sharper programme governance. With OEMs facing major EV write-downs and growing pressure from Chinese competitors, this episode asks where the industry may need to rethink its assumptions. What’s in this episode: Why EV weight may be one of the most overlooked problems in electrificationWhy university IP & patents often fail to become commercial realityHow product cycle times are shrinking while academic commercialisation remains slowWhat McMurtry’s active fan technology could mean for braking, cornering and future vehicle designWhat businesses can learn from motorsport’s delivery rhythm and urgencyWhy major OEM EV write-downs raise serious questions about capital allocation and programme governanceHow software-defined vehicles, vehicle-to-grid and Chinese competition are reshaping automotive strategy Chapters: 00:00 Preview 00:50 Intro: recent lessons from Future Engineering Bets 01:45 Problem 1: EV weight is out of control 03:56 Problem 2: university IP & commercialisation 05:53 Problem 3: active aero & McMurtry’s fan technology 07:19 What businesses can learn from motorsport 09:20 Problem 4: OEM write-downs & programme restructuring 10:47 Software-defined vehicles and the future role of the car 11:56 Rethinking capital allocation and governance About Future Engineering Bets: Future Engineering Bets is for CEOs, board members, and private equity investors making high-stakes decisions in electrification, energy transition, and advanced engineering strategy. Get a boardroom-level view of the engineering decisions shaping billions in capital investment and defining the future of automotive and mobility. Each episode breaks down the engineering, commercial, and strategic realities behind topics such as: Electric vehicles and the global EV transitionHybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustionHydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systemsProduct strategy and R&D investment at OEM and Tier 1 levelMarket dynamics across Europe, the US, and ChinaThe impact of regulation versus real consumer demand If you are responsible for product direction, capital allocation, or technology strategy, this series will help you think more clearly about where to place your next bet. About Fred Warner: Fred Warner, Founder of 7Q Ltd (https://7q.ltd/), is a specialist partner and Chartered Engineer connecting capital investment with no nonsense value creation. With a background spanning motorsport, aerospace, automotive, clean tech, rail, and electronics - including experience across F1, Honeywell, GE, and Meggitt - Fred works with CEOs, boards, and investors on high stakes engineering and R&D programmes. Connect with Fred on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-warner/

  3. 28 jul

    Can Motorsport Prove Hydrogen’s Future? with Mark Grain | Future Engineering Bets

    Hydrogen in mobility has had plenty of sceptics, but Extreme H is taking a very different approach: prove it under race conditions. Fred Warner speaks with Mark Grain, Technical Director of Extreme H, the world’s first FIA-homologated hydrogen-powered motorsport championship. With a career spanning decades, Mark brings a deep motorsport perspective to how hydrogen fuel cell technology can be tested, proven and developed in some of the toughest racing environments. For OEMs, investors and engineering leaders, this episode looks at where hydrogen could sit in the future mobility mix - and how racing can help prove what is technically possible. What’s in this episode: What Extreme H is and how it evolved from Extreme E.Why the championship is using motorsport to prove hydrogen-powered vehicles in harsh environments.How the hydrogen fuel cell system works alongside the battery and electric motors.FIA homologation, crash testing and safety requirements for hydrogen racing.Grid-independent paddock power using hydrogen fuel cells and solar arrays.Gaseous hydrogen, liquid hydrogen and why Extreme H chose its route.Why motorsport can accelerate future technology development. Chapters: 00:00 Intro: Mark Grain and Extreme H 01:50 Mark’s motorsport background 04:16 What is Extreme H? 06:53 Why hydrogen motorsport? 08:09 Answering the hydrogen critics 10:06 Roadmap to FIA World Championship 11:09 Racing hydrogen cars in extreme terrain 13:55 Hydrogen paddock power and infrastructure 18:49 Hydrogen fuel cell vs battery roadmap 21:17 Gaseous hydrogen, storage and safety 26:28 Motorsport as a testbed for future technology 32:26 Future formats and championship ambitions 34:49 Where to follow Extreme H 35:42 Closing thoughts About Future Engineering Bets: Future Engineering Bets is for CEOs, board members, and private equity investors making high-stakes decisions in electrification, energy transition, and advanced engineering strategy. Get a boardroom-level view of the engineering decisions shaping billions in capital investment and defining the future of automotive and mobility. Each episode breaks down the engineering, commercial, and strategic realities behind topics such as: Electric vehicles and the global EV transitionHybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustionHydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systemsProduct strategy and R&D investment at OEM and Tier 1 levelMarket dynamics across Europe, the US, and ChinaThe impact of regulation versus real consumer demand If you are responsible for product direction, capital allocation, or technology strategy, this series will help you think more clearly about where to place your next bet. About Fred Warner: Fred Warner, Founder of 7Q Ltd (https://7q.ltd/), is a specialist partner and Chartered Engineer connecting capital investment with no nonsense value creation. With a background spanning motorsport, aerospace, automotive, clean tech, rail, and electronics - including experience across F1, Honeywell, GE, and Meggitt - Fred works with CEOs, boards, and investors on high stakes engineering and R&D programmes. Connect with Fred on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-warner/

  4. 21 jul

    Can EVs Be Lightweight, Fast and Exciting? with Iain Wight | Future Engineering Bets

    What happens when a small engineering team decides to build an electric car that can beat Formula One records? In this episode of Future Engineering Bets, Fred Warner sits down with Iain Wight of McMurtry Automotive to explore the engineering behind McMurtry’s record-breaking performance technology - from the Spéirling and fan-generated downforce to high-performance batteries, lightweight EV design, thermal management, and where these innovations could be applied beyond the track. This episode looks at what happens when electrification is treated not as a compromise, but as a route to genuinely new performance possibilities. You can learn more about McMurtry over on their website: https://mcmurtry.com/ What’s in this episode:  Iain Wight’s background in advanced engineering and motorsportThe story behind McMurtry and the record-breaking SpéirlingLightweight EV performance, battery technology, and thermal managementWhy modern EVs have become so heavyFan-generated downforce and future vehicle designHow McMurtry technology could apply beyond automotive Chapters:  00:00 Preview 01:05 Intro: Iain Wight & McMurtry Technology 01:57 Iain’s background in advanced engineering 03:49 The story behind McMurtry and Spéirling 06:49 High-performance battery technology 09:41 Why lightweight EV performance matters 10:34 Why EVs have become too heavy 15:43 Battery life and fast charging concerns 18:17 Making electric performance exciting 21:03 EV efficiency vs hydrogen and combustion 23:36 Fan downforce and future vehicle design 30:08 Scaling innovation beyond the car 33:49 Hybrid applications and future powertrains 37:12 Right solution, right application 38:54 McMurtry records and closing thoughts About Future Engineering Bets:  Future Engineering Bets is for CEOs, board members, and private equity investors making high-stakes decisions in electrification, energy transition, and advanced engineering strategy. Get a boardroom-level view of the engineering decisions shaping billions in capital investment and defining the future of automotive and mobility. Each episode breaks down the engineering, commercial, and strategic realities behind topics such as: Electric vehicles and the global EV transitionHybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustionHydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systemsProduct strategy and R&D investment at OEM and Tier 1 levelMarket dynamics across Europe, the US, and ChinaThe impact of regulation versus real consumer demand If you are responsible for product direction, capital allocation, or technology strategy, this series will help you think more clearly about where to place your next bet. About Fred Warner: Fred Warner, Founder of 7Q Ltd (https://7q.ltd/), is a specialist partner and Chartered Engineer connecting capital investment with no nonsense value creation. With a background spanning motorsport, aerospace, automotive, clean tech, rail, and electronics - including experience across F1, Honeywell, GE, and Meggitt - Fred works with CEOs, boards, and investors on high stakes engineering and R&D programmes. Connect with Fred on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-warner/

  5. 7 jul

    Have Automotive OEMs Lost Control Of Their Own Market? | Future Engineering Bets

    What happens if the companies that built the automotive industry no longer control where the value sits? In this episode, Fred Warner asks whether legacy automotive OEMs have lost control of their own market. As electrification accelerates, the power in automotive is shifting away from traditional vehicle manufacturing and towards batteries, software, supply chains, IP, and technology platforms. From China’s dominance in EV battery supply chains to Volkswagen’s software challenges, BYD’s rise, and the growing role of tech-led suppliers, this episode explores whether OEMs are still the industry’s power players - or whether they are becoming assembly brands in a market increasingly controlled by others. For investors, boards, and engineering leaders, the real question is no longer simply who builds the car. It’s who owns the value behind it. What’s in this episode: Why legacy OEMs may be losing control of the automotive value chainHow batteries and software are changing where profit sitsChina’s growing dominance in EV supply chainsWhy software-defined vehicles are a major challenge for traditional manufacturersWhat Volkswagen, Rivian, Stellantis, BYD, Volvo and Northvolt reveal about the shiftWhether OEMs risk becoming mechanical integrators rather than value ownersWho may capture future margin: OEMs, Tier 1s, software firms or battery suppliersWhere investors may need to look next in automotive Chapters: 00:00 Intro: Have OEMs lost control? 02:15 The powertrain problem 04:31 The software-defined vehicle trap 06:27 China’s dominance of the EV ecosystem 08:33 Who owns the IP and customer? 10:03 Who captures the profit? 12:00 Final verdict: have OEMs lost control? 13:33 Where should investors place their bets? About Future Engineering Bets: Future Engineering Bets is for CEOs, board members, and private equity investors making high-stakes decisions in electrification, energy transition, and advanced engineering strategy. Get a boardroom-level view of the engineering decisions shaping billions in capital investment and defining the future of automotive and mobility. Each episode breaks down the engineering, commercial, and strategic realities behind topics such as: Electric vehicles and the global EV transitionHybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustionHydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systemsProduct strategy and R&D investment at OEM and Tier 1 levelMarket dynamics across Europe, the US, and ChinaThe impact of regulation versus real consumer demand If you are responsible for product direction, capital allocation, or technology strategy, this series will help you think more clearly about where to place your next bet. About Fred Warner: Fred Warner, Founder of 7Q Ltd (https://7q.ltd/), is a specialist partner and Chartered Engineer connecting capital investment with no nonsense value creation. With a background spanning motorsport, aerospace, automotive, clean tech, rail, and electronics - including experience across F1, Honeywell, GE, and Meggitt - Fred works with CEOs, boards, and investors on high stakes engineering and R&D programmes. Connect with Fred on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-warner/

  6. 25 jun

    The Cost of Getting EV Policy Wrong | Future Engineering Bets

    In this episode of Future Engineering Bets, Fred Warner examines the growing pressure on the UK’s EV regulations - and why the government is now set to weaken the 2030 target under pressure from OEMs, trade unions, and market realities. As fines rise and demand continues to lag behind policy ambition, the episode looks at what happens when regulation moves faster than consumers are willing to follow. The discussion explores the UK’s 2030 EV target, the financial penalties facing manufacturers, the contrast with Europe’s more flexible approach, and why hybrids may offer a more realistic path forward. It also looks at the wider risk to jobs, industrial viability, and competition if policy continues to outpace commercial reality What’s in this episode: Why UK OEMs say the EV regulations are punitive rather than practicalThe current 2030 UK target and why it may be cut from 80% to 50–70%How the £12,000 per-car penalty is affecting automotive economicsWhy the market isn’t buying EVs at the pace politicians expectHow the EU’s approach differs from the UK’s sales-based modelWhy hybrids are likely to remain essential in the real-world mixWhat heavy vehicles, weight, and practicality mean for full-EV strategiesWhere e-fuels and biofuels may still fit into future policy and product strategyThe long-term risk to UK and European jobs, investment, and manufacturing if policy misreads demand Chapters: 00:00 Intro: Why UK EV regulations are under pressure 01:31 The UK 2030 EV mandate explained 02:26 Fines, missed targets, and the cost to OEMs 02:57 How the EU is changing its approach 04:00 Demand vs regulation: where policy breaks down 04:44 50% or 70%? What could change in the UK 05:08 Why hybrids still matter 06:24 Jobs, industry viability, and the China risk 07:22 E-fuels, biofuels, and what comes next 08:07 Why the rules may have to soften About Future Engineering Bets: Future Engineering Bets is for CEOs, board members, and private equity investors making high-stakes decisions in electrification, energy transition, and advanced engineering strategy. Get a boardroom-level view of the engineering decisions shaping billions in capital investment and defining the future of automotive and mobility. Each episode breaks down the engineering, commercial, and strategic realities behind topics such as: Electric vehicles and the global EV transitionHybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustionHydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systemsProduct strategy and R&D investment at OEM and Tier 1 levelMarket dynamics across Europe, the US, and ChinaThe impact of regulation versus real consumer demand If you are responsible for product direction, capital allocation, or technology strategy, this series will help you think more clearly about where to place your next bet. About Fred Warner: Fred Warner, Founder of 7Q Ltd (https://7q.ltd/), is a specialist partner and Chartered Engineer connecting capital investment with no nonsense value creation. With a background spanning motorsport, aerospace, automotive, clean tech, rail, and electronics - including experience across F1, Honeywell, GE, and Meggitt - Fred works with CEOs, boards, and investors on high stakes engineering and R&D programmes. Connect with Fred on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-warner/

  7. 17 jun

    Are European Car Makers in Trouble? | Future Engineering Bets

    In this episode of Future Engineering Bets, Fred Warner breaks down the key insights from the Financial Times Future of the Car Summit 2026 - and what they mean for the future of automotive, investment, and global competition. Is the EV transition going to plan… or starting to unravel? With OEMs now reconsidering EV strategies, rising geopolitical tensions, and growing reliance on China across the supply chain, the industry is facing a complex set of challenges. From surplus manufacturing capacity and shifting production strategies to the rise of hybrid powertrains, this episode explores how automotive players are adapting - and where capital should be placed next. What’s in this episode: Key takeaways from the FT Future of the Car SummitWhy OEMs need scale to make EVs profitableThe reality of global overcapacity in automotive manufacturingChina’s long-term strategy and supply chain dominanceWhy European OEMs are shifting back to hybridsThe growing risk of dependency on ChinaEnergy costs and their impact on competitivenessPotential partnerships between European and Chinese OEMsWhat this all means for investors and supply chains Chapters: 00:00 Intro & FT Future of the Car Summit 01:44 EV strategy challenges & profitability 02:55 Overcapacity & consolidation risk 03:20 OEM decisions & shift back to hybrids 04:20 Dependence on China & supply chain risk 05:15 Partnerships with Chinese OEMs 06:16 EV vs hybrid future 07:06 Energy costs & competitiveness 08:02 Production shift & future of manufacturing 09:08 Where should you invest? 11:04 Final thoughts About Future Engineering Bets: Future Engineering Bets is for CEOs, board members, and private equity investors making high-stakes decisions in electrification, energy transition, and advanced engineering strategy. Get a boardroom-level view of the engineering decisions shaping billions in capital investment and defining the future of automotive and mobility. Each episode breaks down the engineering, commercial, and strategic realities behind topics such as: Electric vehicles and the global EV transitionHybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustionHydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systemsProduct strategy and R&D investment at OEM and Tier 1 levelMarket dynamics across Europe, the US, and ChinaThe impact of regulation versus real consumer demand If you are responsible for product direction, capital allocation, or technology strategy, this series will help you think more clearly about where to place your next bet. About Fred Warner: Fred Warner, Founder of 7Q Ltd (https://7q.ltd/), is a specialist partner and Chartered Engineer connecting capital investment with no nonsense value creation. With a background spanning motorsport, aerospace, automotive, clean tech, rail, and electronics - including experience across F1, Honeywell, GE, and Meggitt - Fred works with CEOs, boards, and investors on high stakes engineering and R&D programmes. Connect with Fred on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-warner/

  8. 8 jun

    The Shock Impact of the Iran War on EVs | Future Engineering Bets

    In this episode of Future Engineering Bets, Fred Warner explores how the Iran war is reshaping the global automotive market in real time. What happens when geopolitics suddenly shifts demand overnight? As oil prices surge due to conflict in the Middle East, EV demand across Europe is rising faster than expected. But this shift raises much bigger questions around global competition, supply chains, and long-term strategy. From China’s growing dominance to uncertainty around legislation and consumer behaviour, this episode breaks down how external forces - not just policy - are driving the transition to electric vehicles. What’s in this episode: How the Iran war is impacting EV demandWhy rising oil prices are accelerating adoptionChina’s dominance across EV supply chainsThe growing risk to UK & European manufacturersWhy demand isn’t being driven by policy aloneHow geopolitics is shaping automotive strategyThe future role of hybrids and ICE vehiclesWhere capital should be heading next Chapters: 00:00 Intro & Iran war impact on EVs 00:46 Oil prices surge & EV demand rises 02:00 Who benefits from the EV shift? 02:56 Global market split (EU vs US vs China) 03:04 China’s supply chain advantage 03:49 ICE vs EV vs hybrid – what happens next? 04:32 Pressure on policy & net zero targets 04:52 Risk to UK & European automotive 05:09 Where should investment go? 05:43 Final thoughts About Future Engineering Bets: Future Engineering Bets is for CEOs, board members, and private equity investors making high-stakes decisions in electrification, energy transition, and advanced engineering strategy. Get a boardroom-level view of the engineering decisions shaping billions in capital investment and defining the future of automotive and mobility. Each episode breaks down the engineering, commercial, and strategic realities behind topics such as: Electric vehicles and the global EV transitionHybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustionHydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systemsProduct strategy and R&D investment at OEM and Tier 1 levelMarket dynamics across Europe, the US, and ChinaThe impact of regulation versus real consumer demand If you are responsible for product direction, capital allocation, or technology strategy, this series will help you think more clearly about where to place your next bet. About Fred Warner: Fred Warner, Founder of 7Q Ltd (https://7q.ltd/), is a specialist partner and Chartered Engineer connecting capital investment with no nonsense value creation. With a background spanning motorsport, aerospace, automotive, clean tech, rail, and electronics - including experience across F1, Honeywell, GE, and Meggitt - Fred works with CEOs, boards, and investors on high stakes engineering and R&D programmes. Connect with Fred on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-warner/

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Future Engineering Bets is for CEOs, board members, and private equity investors, making high-stakes decisions in electrification, energy transition, and advanced engineering strategy. Get a boardroom-level view of engineering decisions that shape billions in capital investment and define the future of automotive and mobility. Hosted by Fred Warner, partner & adviser, with a career spanning F1, hydrogen fuel cell, aerospace, and rail, the series explores the real trade-offs behind major product and technology bets across automotive, aerospace, and advanced propulsion. Each episode breaks down the engineering, commercial, and strategic realities behind topics such as: • Electric vehicles and the global EV transition • Hybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustion • Hydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systems • Product strategy and R&D investment decisions at OEM and Tier 1 level • Market differences across Europe, the US, and China • The impact of regulation versus real consumer demand If you are responsible for product direction, capital allocation, or technology strategy, this podcast is designed to help you think more clearly about where to place your next bet.

Información

  • Creador
    Fred Warner
  • Años de actividad
    2026
  • Episodios
    14
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Fred Warner
  • Mostrar sitio web
    Future Engineering Bets