Future Engineering 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 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.

Publisher

Fred Warner

Category

business · technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

8 Apr 2026

Latest episode

23 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 Oct 2026

   Scrapping EV Batteries - Stop! with Michael Hague-Morgan | Future Engineering Bets

   What really happens when an EV battery fails, and are we writing off valuable batteries and vehicles too quickly? In this episode of Future Engineering Bets, Fred Warner and Michael Hague-Morgan of Autocraft Solutions Group compare perspectives on the future of EV battery repair, recycling and the risks facing owners as more electric vehicles move out of warranty. Drawing on Autocraft’s experience of repairing more than 10,000 EV and hybrid battery packs, Mike explains why only a small number of modules may actually need replacing when a battery fails. Fred brings the wider engineering and capital-allocation perspective, questioning what this means for vehicle values, warranty risk, battery design, the used EV market and whether current policy has properly considered what happens to these cars later in life. They also get into the reality behind battery second life, China’s move towards repairable battery design, latent manufacturing defects, Autocraft’s OptEVizer diagnostic technology and Revive mobile workshops, before looking at the bigger question of where EVs, hybrids and ICE now sit as the market and regulation continue to change. Visit Autocraft Solutions Group: https://www.autocraftsg.com/ (https://www.autocraftsg.com/) What’s in this episode • Why some EV batteries are being recycled prematurely • What Autocraft has learned from repairing more than 10,000 battery packs • Why only a small part of a failed battery may actually need replacing • The financial risk of an EV battery failure outside warranty • Why battery repairability matters to the used EV market • How battery design can make repair easier or almost impossible • China’s move towards cell and module-level battery repairability • Why battery second life may not be as straightforward as it sounds • How latent manufacturing defects appear as batteries age • Why reading the battery management system may not tell the whole story • The launch of OptEVizer and more detailed battery diagnostics • How Autocraft’s Revive workshops could make battery repair more accessible • The future mix of EVs, hybrids and internal combustion engines • What the ZEV transition means for manufacturers and the automotive supply chain Chapters 00:00 Preview 01:43 Introducing Mike Hague-Morgan and Autocraft 03:15 From rebuilding engines to repairing EV batteries 03:39 Are we recycling EV batteries too soon? 05:36 The problem with battery second life 07:42 Why battery repairability matters 10:12 Legislation and repairable battery design 11:30 The economics of recycling 12:38 The out-of-warranty EV problem 13:58 Battery repair, risk and warranty 15:44 Testing the true health of an EV battery 18:56 Latent defects in battery manufacturing 22:14 OptEVizer and better battery diagnostics 25:53 Revive: taking battery repair closer to the vehicle 29:38 Where EVs, hybrids and ICE go next 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 explores the engineering, commercial and strategic realities behind electric vehicles, hybrid powertrains, emerging propulsion technologies, R&D investment, regulation, consumer demand and the changing global automotive market. 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. Founder of 7Q Ltd: https://7q.ltd/ (https://7q.ltd/)

2. 

   13 Oct 2026

   EV Only vs Technology Neutral with John Goodwin | Future Engineering Bets

   Can one powertrain really decarbonise everything from passenger cars and delivery vans to long-haul trucks, tractors and construction machinery? In this episode of Future Engineering Bets, I speak with John Goodwin, Regulatory Affairs Director at Johnson Matthey, about technology neutrality and the need for different solutions across transport and heavy-duty applications. We explore the UK’s ZEV mandate, Europe’s changing approach to vehicle emissions, charging inequality and the role hybrids, hydrogen fuel cells and renewable fuels could play alongside battery-electric vehicles. Find John Goodwin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-b-goodwin/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-b-goodwin/) Visit Johnson Matthey’s website: matthey.com What’s in this episode: Why decarbonisation may require more than one powertrain The UK ZEV mandate and Europe’s changing policy direction Charging inequality and the challenge of ageing vehicle fleets How hybrids and renewable fuels could support the transition Why tractors, construction machinery and vans need different solutions Battery weight, payload and downtime in heavy-duty applications Where hydrogen fuel cells could work effectively Critical raw-material demand and battery supply-chain risks Why lifecycle emissions matter beyond the tailpipe How technology neutrality could protect automotive capability and jobs Chapters: 00:00 Preview 01:39 Introducing John Goodwin of Johnson Matthey 04:04 The ZEV mandate and technology neutrality 05:08 Europe’s uneven transition to electric vehicles 07:22 The driveway divide and a fair transition 09:08 Hybrids, renewable fuels and ageing vehicle fleets 13:14 The challenge of electrifying heavy machinery 17:32 Hydrogen fuel cells and materials handling 19:15 Battery-electric trucks, payload and downtime 23:30 The last 10% of transport decarbonisation 26:06 Critical raw materials and supply-chain pressure 30:14 Looking beyond tailpipe emissions 32:36 Recycling, circularity and technology options 33:54 Automotive jobs and battery dependency 35:06 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 transition Hybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustion Hydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systems Product strategy and R&D investment at OEM and Tier 1 level Market dynamics 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 series will help you think more clearly about where to place your next bet. About Fred Warner: Fred, 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/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-warner/)

3. 

   22 Sept 2026

   The ZEV Mandate Is Putting Automotive at Risk | Future Engineering Bets

   The UK’s ZEV mandate is trying to dictate the pace of EV adoption, but can it dictate what consumers are willing or able to buy? In this episode of Future Engineering Bets, I examine the assumptions behind the current ZEV mandate trajectory and the growing pressure it is placing on the automotive industry. Company-car incentives have supported EV adoption so far, but reaching future targets will depend increasingly on private buyers facing higher purchase prices, concerns about depreciation and a significant divide between home and public charging. I also set out the changes I believe would create a more achievable transition, including revised targets, fairer public charging costs, greater recognition of alternative powertrains, and more focus on vehicle weight and energy efficiency. What’s in this episode: Why I believe the ZEV mandate overestimates consumer demand The divide between company-car and private EV adoption How charging costs and driveway access could limit uptake The case for plug-in hybrids, range extenders and alternative fuels Manufacturer losses, cancelled programmes and job cuts How China, battery supply chains and tariffs are reshaping automotive My proposed changes to the 2030 and 2035 targets Why regulation should consider vehicle weight and efficiency Chapters: 00:00 Preview 01:18 The UK ZEV mandate review 02:28 Consumer demand and the EV adoption wall 04:09 Automotive losses and dependence on China 05:17 Rethinking the 2030 and 2035 targets 06:41 The engineering case for plug-in hybrids 08:05 Company cars, private buyers and discounting 10:04 The driveway divide and charging poverty premium 14:04 Why plug-in hybrids are more than a loophole 16:12 EV write-downs and automotive job cuts 21:49 China, tariffs and geopolitical risk 24:36 Vehicle weight and Fred’s recommendations 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 transition Hybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustion Hydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systems Product strategy and R&D investment at OEM and Tier 1 level Market dynamics 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 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/ (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/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-warner/)

4. 

   10 Sept 2026

   Volkswagen’s Job Cuts: What’s Happening to Europe’s Car Industry? | Future Engineering Bets

   Tens of thousands of jobs are disappearing from Europe’s automotive industry, and the causes run far deeper than slowing car sales. In this episode of Future Engineering Bets, Fred Warner explores how factory overcapacity, high European energy and labour costs, Chinese competition, EV investment and global trade friction are forcing manufacturers to make difficult decisions about their future. From restructuring at Volkswagen Group, Stellantis, Ford, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar Land Rover to EV discounting, changing production networks and pressure on Tier One suppliers, Fred considers what this contraction means for jobs, capital allocation and the future of automotive manufacturing in Europe. What’s in this episode: Why Europe’s automotive industry is experiencing such a severe contraction The scale of job losses, factory overcapacity and restructuring across major manufacturers How Chinese competition and high European production costs are affecting the market The pressure EV investment and discounting are placing on manufacturer margins How tariffs and trade friction are reshaping global production strategies What the downturn could mean for OEMs, Tier One suppliers and future capital allocation Chapters: 00:00 Preview: Europe’s automotive contraction 01:02 Intro: Why automotive jobs are being cut 01:29 What is driving the crisis? 02:56 Volkswagen’s job cuts and model reduction 04:49 Restructuring across Europe’s major OEMs 06:32 Overcapacity and declining European sales 07:02 The impact of Chinese competition 08:31 The EV capital squeeze 10:07 Discounting, tariffs and global trade 11:33 What this means for Tier One suppliers 12:12 Jaguar Land Rover and the outlook for Europe 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 transition Hybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustion Hydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systems Product strategy and R&D investment at OEM and Tier 1 level Market dynamics 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 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/ (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/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-warner/)

5. 

   31 Aug 2026

   Can Formula One Thinking Fix Innovation? with Richard Hopkins | Future Engineering Bets

   Turning world-class research into real commercial value is one of the most underappreciated challenges in advanced engineering. In this episode Fred Warner speaks with Richard Hopkins, Professor at the University of New South Wales and founder of P-ONE Technology, about what happens when Formula One thinking is applied to university innovation, technology transfer, and clean-tech commercialisation. Richard shares lessons from nearly three decades in Formula One, including time at Brabham, McLaren and Red Bull, and explains how that pace, urgency and change mindset can help bridge the gap between academic research and commercial reality. Find out more about P-ONE: https://www.p-onesolutions.com/ (https://www.p-onesolutions.com/) What’s in this episode: Richard's journey from Brabham and McLaren to Red Bull Racing, UNSW and P-ONE Technology. What Formula One can teach businesses about speed, urgency, change and operational efficiency. Why universities often struggle to turn world-class IP into commercial ventures. The difference between technology readiness, commercial readiness and venture readiness. How P-ONE is helping bridge the gap between university research and industry problems. Clean-tech opportunities across solar, vehicle-to-grid, battery technology, mobility and energy. Why legacy OEMs may struggle to match the pace of newer automotive challengers Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:40 Richard’s Formula One journey 03:20 Lessons from winning in Formula One 06:06 Speed, change and operational efficiency 09:47 University IP & the commercialisation challenge 14:56 TRL, CRL & venture readiness 17:45 Clean tech, batteries, solar & mobility 25:41 Vehicle-to-grid and bi-directional charging 30:22 What OEMs can learn from Formula One pace 34:11 Software-led vehicles & automotive disruption 35:55 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 transition Hybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustion Hydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systems Product strategy and R&D investment at OEM and Tier 1 level Market dynamics 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 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/ (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/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-warner/)

6. 

   25 Aug 2026

   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 mandate Why EV targets are moving faster than real-world consumer demand Honda’s multi-pathway approach to sustainable mobility The case for full hybrids and plug-in hybrids Charging inequality and the higher costs facing some drivers The potential impact of pay-per-mile taxation on EV adoption Where hydrogen fuel cells and e-fuels could fit into the future transport mix Why 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 transition Hybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustion Hydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systems Product strategy and R&D investment at OEM and Tier 1 level Market dynamics 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 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/ (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/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-warner/)

7. 

   17 Aug 2026

   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 electrification Why university IP & patents often fail to become commercial reality How product cycle times are shrinking while academic commercialisation remains slow What McMurtry’s active fan technology could mean for braking, cornering and future vehicle design What businesses can learn from motorsport’s delivery rhythm and urgency Why major OEM EV write-downs raise serious questions about capital allocation and programme governance How 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 transition Hybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustion Hydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systems Product strategy and R&D investment at OEM and Tier 1 level Market dynamics 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 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/ (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/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-warner/)

8. 

   28 Jul 2026

   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 transition Hybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustion Hydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systems Product strategy and R&D investment at OEM and Tier 1 level Market dynamics 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 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/ (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/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-warner/)

9. 

   21 Jul 2026

   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/ (https://mcmurtry.com/) What’s in this episode: Iain Wight’s background in advanced engineering and motorsport The story behind McMurtry and the record-breaking Spéirling Lightweight EV performance, battery technology, and thermal management Why modern EVs have become so heavy Fan-generated downforce and future vehicle design How 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 transition Hybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustion Hydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systems Product strategy and R&D investment at OEM and Tier 1 level Market dynamics 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 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/ (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/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-warner/)

10. 

    7 Jul 2026

    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 chain How batteries and software are changing where profit sits China’s growing dominance in EV supply chains Why software-defined vehicles are a major challenge for traditional manufacturers What Volkswagen, Rivian, Stellantis, BYD, Volvo and Northvolt reveal about the shift Whether OEMs risk becoming mechanical integrators rather than value owners Who may capture future margin: OEMs, Tier 1s, software firms or battery suppliers Where 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 transition Hybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustion Hydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systems Product strategy and R&D investment at OEM and Tier 1 level Market dynamics 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 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/ (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/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-warner/)

11. 

    25 Jun 2026

    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 practical The 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 economics Why the market isn’t buying EVs at the pace politicians expect How the EU’s approach differs from the UK’s sales-based model Why hybrids are likely to remain essential in the real-world mix What heavy vehicles, weight, and practicality mean for full-EV strategies Where e-fuels and biofuels may still fit into future policy and product strategy The 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 transition Hybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustion Hydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systems Product strategy and R&D investment at OEM and Tier 1 level Market dynamics 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 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/ (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/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-warner/)

12. 

    17 Jun 2026

    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 Summit Why OEMs need scale to make EVs profitable The reality of global overcapacity in automotive manufacturing China’s long-term strategy and supply chain dominance Why European OEMs are shifting back to hybrids The growing risk of dependency on China Energy costs and their impact on competitiveness Potential partnerships between European and Chinese OEMs What 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 transition Hybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustion Hydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systems Product strategy and R&D investment at OEM and Tier 1 level Market dynamics 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 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/ (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/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-warner/)

13. 

    8 Jun 2026

    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 demand Why rising oil prices are accelerating adoption China’s dominance across EV supply chains The growing risk to UK & European manufacturers Why demand isn’t being driven by policy alone How geopolitics is shaping automotive strategy The future role of hybrids and ICE vehicles Where 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 transition Hybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustion Hydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systems Product strategy and R&D investment at OEM and Tier 1 level Market dynamics 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 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/ (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/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-warner/)

14. 

    28 May 2026

    Industrial Risk or Strategy? With Daniel Fung | Future Engineering Bets

    In this episode of Future Engineering Bets, Fred Warner is joined by Dan Fung, Head of Strategy and Performance at the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), to unpack one of the biggest challenges facing the UK industry: Why we’re great at innovation… but struggle to scale. From £4bn of funding and EV strategy to global competition with China, this conversation breaks down the reality of industrial strategy, electrification, and where capital should be heading next. If you're a CEO, investor, OEM, or Tier 1/2 supplier trying to understand where the market is heading, this episode will give you a grounded, insider perspective. In this episode: Why the UK struggles to scale innovation beyond R&D How £4bn of APC funding is being deployed across the industry The reality of EV demand vs policy (and impact on OEMs like Honda) How companies like BYD are reshaping the global automotive market The truth about battery overcapacity and gigafactories (Nissan, JLR) Net zero vs practical engineering decisions in real-world applications Where the UK can compete (motorsport, high-performance, niche vehicles) Where investment is going: software-defined vehicles, automation & connectivity Chapters: 00:00 Intro & Dan Fung (APC) 02:30 £4bn funding & Drive35 explained 03:40 The UK’s innovation vs scale problem 06:00 Does funding actually deliver results? 10:00 Why the UK struggles to scale 13:30 UK vs China & global competition 16:20 Net zero vs practical engineering 21:00 EV demand vs reality 24:15 China’s speed & innovation model 28:45 Battery overcapacity & gigafactories 31:40 Manufacturing & scaling challenges 34:00 Where to invest next 39:00 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 transition Hybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustion Hydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systems Product strategy and R&D investment at OEM and Tier 1 level Market dynamics 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 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/ (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/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-warner/)

15. 

    18 May 2026

    Why Hydrogen Still Hasn’t Delivered | Future Engineering Bets

    Hydrogen fuel cells have long been positioned as the next evolution in automotive powertrains, but the reality is proving far more challenging. In this episode of Future Engineering Bets, Fred Warner examines whether hydrogen is still a viable long‑term bet for automotive, or whether the market has already moved on. Drawing on direct experience in hydrogen fuel cell programmes across aerospace and automotive, the episode looks at why the technology has struggled to scale - and why capital, in many cases, is starting to pull back. From infrastructure challenges and cost barriers to competition from battery electric vehicles and shifting OEM strategies, this episode unpacks where hydrogen may still have a role - and where it likely doesn’t. In this episode: Why hydrogen fuel cells were once seen as the successor to EVs The “chicken and egg” problem holding infrastructure back Why hydrogen struggles to compete with battery technology today Logistics, cost, and energy density challenges Why hydrogen may still have a role in heavy‑duty transport How capital markets and OEMs are repositioning around hydrogen BMW, Toyota, Stellantis and Honda’s current hydrogen strategies Where hydrogen still has credibility - and where it doesn’t Chapters: 00:00 – Hydrogen Fuel Cells: A Viable Bet? 00:58 – The Infrastructure Problem Holding Hydrogen Back 02:01 – Why Hydrogen Struggles Against EVs 05:43 – Capital Pullback Across the Industry 06:11 – BMW & Toyota Keep Hydrogen Alive 09:09 – The One Area Hydrogen Still Works: Heavy Trucks 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 transition Hybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustion Hydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systems Product strategy and R&D investment at OEM and Tier 1 level Market dynamics 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 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/ (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/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-warner/)

16. 

    11 May 2026

    The EV Reset: Automotive Strategy Is Being Rewritten | Future Engineering Bets

    The EV market is entering a period of recalibration - and the consequences are already showing up in financial write‑downs, paused programmes, and shifting boardroom priorities. In this episode of Future Engineering Bets, Fred Warner (Founder, 7Q) examines why many EV‑led strategies are being reassessed. As adoption slows outside of fleet and incentive‑driven buyers, OEMs are being forced to refocus on cash protection, flexibility, and survivability - not just compliance. Looking at real examples across established automotive players, the episode explores why hybrid and flexible powertrain strategies are back at the centre of planning, how investor pressure is reshaping decision‑making, and what this reset means for future capital allocation. In this episode: Why the EV market is undergoing a reset Shifting board incentives and capital priorities The financial impact of EV write‑downs and paused programmes Why powertrain flexibility and hybrids are returning Consumer demand, depreciation, and value anxiety The growing influence of Chinese manufacturer For anyone involved in automotive strategy, engineering leadership, or long‑term investment decisions, this episode highlights where earlier assumptions are being tested - and where risk is now concentrating. Chapters: 00:00 – The EV Reset Begins 00:40 – Ford’s EV Write‑Downs and Strategic Retreat 01:17 – China’s Advantage from EV‑First Policy 03:33 – EV Adoption Stalls Outside Fleets 05:41 – Investors Force a Shift to Cash Discipline 07:55 – Honda, Porsche and Mercedes Rethink EV‑Only Bets 10:02 – Europe Softens the 2035 ICE Ban 15:06 – Jaguar’s All‑EV Bet Stands Alone 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 transition Hybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustion Hydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systems Product strategy and R&D investment at OEM and Tier 1 level Market dynamics 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 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/ (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/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-warner/)

17. 

    29 Apr 2026

    Why Energy Management Decides Performance with Mark Preston | Future Engineering Bets

    Motorsport has long been a proving ground for how complex engineering decisions are made under extreme constraints. In this episode of Future Engineering Bets, Fred Warner is joined by Mark Preston - Lola Yamaha ABT Team Principal and one of the most experienced engineering leaders in modern motorsport - to explore how competitive racing environments shape real‑world engineering strategy. Drawing on Mark’s journey through Formula One, Formula E, and now Lola Cars, the discussion focuses on how performance, energy management, and innovation are governed at the highest level. The conversation looks at how technologies developed under racing conditions transfer into automotive and advanced engineering - from energy management and AI to predictive tools, driver discipline, and system optimisation. Key topics include: Mark Preston’s motorsport journey The technical and strategic challenges of Formula E Technology transfer from motorsport to automotive Competitive engineering under regulatory pressure AI, data, and predictive technology in racing Energy management as a performance differentiator Driver discipline and decision‑making Lola Cars and the future of sustainable innovation For leaders involved in advanced engineering, product development, or technology strategy, this episode offers an inside view of how high‑performance engineering organisations operate when margins are tight and decisions matter. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Future Engineering Bets 04:30 Mark Preston's Motorsport Journey 07:22 Challenges in Formula E Racing 09:59 Technology Transfer from Motorsport to Automotive 12:46 Competitive Engineering in Motorsport 15:12 The Role of AI in Racing 18:07 Energy Management in Formula E 24:34 Energy Management in Motorsport 28:49 Driver Discipline and Strategy 32:25 The Future of Energy Management 37:30 Predictive Technology in Racing 39:25 Lola Cars and Sustainable Innovation 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 transition Hybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustion Hydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systems Product strategy and R&D investment at OEM and Tier 1 level Market dynamics 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 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 (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, 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/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-warner/)

18. 

    19 Apr 2026

    The EV Bet That Could Break OEMs | Future Engineering Bets

    The EV transition is not going to plan - and the engineering bets being made now will shape outcomes for years to come. In this episode, Fred Warner (Founder, 7Q) looks beyond headlines to examine electrification, powertrain strategy, and sustainability from the perspective of leaders making major capital and R&D decisions. Why the EV transition is uneven and, in places, stalling Consumer demand versus legislative targets Depreciation, repairability, and lifetime vehicle cost Regional differences across Europe, China, and the US The unresolved powertrain question Sustainability trade‑offs beyond emissions headlines China’s growing influence Jaguar’s all‑EV bet and lessons for product strategy What Formula One’s 2026 regulations may reveal about future powertrains For anyone involved in shaping product direction, engineering strategy, or long‑term capital allocation, this episode highlights where assumptions may be fragile - and where risk is building. Chapters: 00:00 - The EV Transition: Challenges and Consumer Readiness 05:30 - Powertrains of the Future: Hybrids vs. EVs 10:18 - Sustainability in Automotive: A Holistic View 15:02 - The Chinese Market: A Game Changer for EVs 16:54 - Jaguar's Bold Move: All-Electric Strategy 18:21 - Formula One: The Future of Powertrains and Sustainability 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 transition Hybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustion Hydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systems Product strategy and R&D investment at OEM and Tier 1 level Market dynamics 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 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/ (https://7q.ltd/)) (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbHNNLTBsek4zbDNzRHpJek9RUUVMMllPb2NRUXxBQ3Jtc0tsS2JSbVF2b2QyWW9qQUZtV251ZlJYRm5qTHIyR1JicVFNOUtJY0tSQlVTT19xOWZUVDNfT05EdThDTHZjRWFtaEdJT2NjRjJ5RU9XeXlsRjBsUG5JMDdVd183QU5yaVl4bjZOOGZ0QjJfOEpvejMtYw&q=https%3A%2F%2F7q.ltd%2F%29&v=327CUbgNzSQ), 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, 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/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-warner/)

19. 

    8 Apr 2026

    Aston Martin, Honda and the Cost of Engineering Misalignment | Future Engineering Bets

    In this first episode of Future Engineering Bets, Fred Warner (Founder, 7Q) dissects the Aston Martin–Honda Formula One programme - a multi‑hundred‑million‑pound engineering bet that has unravelled under the pressure of governance, integration, and execution failure. Using the programme as a live case study, the episode examines how capital investment, engineering strategy, and organisational reality collide when complex programmes are not governed as truly integrated systems. Using Aston Martin’s pursuit of full “works team” status ahead of the 2026 regulations, Fred breaks down where the bet went wrong - from siloed development across continents to late visibility of fundamental power unit issues - and what CEOs, boards, and investors should be paying attention to long before programmes fail in public. For anyone involved in steering major engineering programmes or approving large R&D investment, this episode shows how failure develops - long before it appears on a balance sheet. In this episode: Why Aston Martin bet on a full works team - and why that assumption was flawed How poor programme governance masked risk until it was too late The cost of running car and power unit development as disconnected silos Resourcing realities inside Honda - and why Aston Martin should have known Culture, accountability, and why “finding out in November” is already a failure What this tells us about R&D investment decisions under hard regulatory deadlines Chapters 00:00 – The Aston Martin & Honda partnership 03:55 – Integration and development challenges 06:58 – Governance and management failures 10:54 – Accountability and future implications 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 transition Hybrid powertrains and the future of internal combustion Hydrogen, sustainable fuels, and emerging propulsion systems Product strategy and R&D investment at OEM and Tier 1 level Market dynamics 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 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/ (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/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-warner/).

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