"Los cerebros del cambio"

01/08/2013

A select group of 14 researchers is developing new engines and batteries in the Technical University of Catalonia, in Terrassa. Their cache has risen and they receive offers around 35.000€ a year.

Harold Saavedra’s screen shows a strange diagram. “It is a new electrical engine that fits into each of the four wheels of a car, and it’s made of several discs”, explains. This young man, from Colombia, is part of a select group of 14 researchers. They are working on the first 100% Spanish Electric Car, in coordination with SEAT and with the participation of many providers, such as Ficosa, Siemens and Cegasa. The aim of the VERDE Cenit program, endowed with 34 million € by the Ministry of Science and Innovation, is to launch the first Eco-Car in 2013.

The laboratory of the MCIA Research Center, born in the School of Engineering of Terrassa, has become a reference in the development of the new technology and a quarry for the multinationals. The head of the Center, Luis Romeral, admits that “some companies have already come to probe the researchers in order to sign them”. The need of finding experts for the car of the future has risen their market value to 35.000€ per year, in front of the 25.000 that companies initially offer to an engineer. “Students have to work more on their CV’s to give something more than classic knowledge”, declares Xavier Cañavate, director of the School.

Harold keeps in mind that when he finishes the PdD he will seek employment in the industry. On the other hand, his colleagues Julio Urresti, 29 years old and also Colombian, and Miguel Delgado, 28 years old from Ripollet, opt for the researcher vocation applied to the companies. “When you see – Miguel says – that your research work is useful, ie, to improve an engine, it is a great satisfaction”.

These researchers look for solutions to some of the dilemmas in the new automotive industry. “Transition will take some years to come, although it will be a revolution in transport” sentences Julio. Before this, it is necessary to cheaper the batteries and extend their autonomy to 500 km. “Overcome this – says the professor – will require a deeper technical change”.