Praveen Kumar

Dr. Praveen Kumar has an extensive career spanning nearly three decades in the field of electric motor design, with a specialized focus on high-power density motors, electric vehicle (EV) drivetrains, and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance the performance and reliability of these systems. Currently, Dr. Kumar serves as a Senior R&D Staff at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), where he is leading initiatives to integrate AI and ML in the design and diagnostics of electric drivetrains, contributing to advancements in sustainable transportation technologies.

Dr. Kumar’s research has made significant strides in developing innovative motor architectures that push the boundaries of efficiency, power density, and sustainability. His work on rare earth-free magnet motors is particularly noteworthy, addressing critical supply chain challenges and environmental concerns associated with traditional high-performance motors. By leveraging advanced AI techniques, Dr. Kumar has pioneered new motor designs that maintain high efficiency without relying on scarce and environmentally detrimental materials.

Throughout his career, Dr. Kumar has successfully managed and executed numerous high-impact projects funded by leading industry partners and government agencies. His work at IIT Guwahati, where he held various academic positions culminating in a professorship, was instrumental in establishing the e-Mobility Lab, a center of excellence dedicated to EV drivetrain research. Notable projects include the development of dual-rotor motors, AI-based motor health estimation, and innovative battery management systems, all of which have contributed to the wider adoption of e-mobility solutions in India and beyond.

In addition to his applied research, Dr. Kumar has made significant contributions to fundamental engineering principles, particularly in the optimization of motor designs and the application of machine learning for predictive maintenance and fault detection. His research has been recognized through several patents, numerous high-impact publications, and the successful mentorship of PhD students, many of whom have gone on to establish themselves as leaders in the field.

Dr. Kumar’s vision for the future of electric mobility is centered around the integration of digital twin technologies, which combine AI and ML with real-time data to predict and prevent failures, thereby extending the operational life of EV systems. His current work at ORNL is focused on developing these advanced systems to achieve unprecedented reliability in heavy vehicles, such as Class 8 trucks, with the goal of reaching a million-mile operational life.

With a strong foundation in both academic and industrial research, Dr. Kumar continues to drive innovation in the field of electric mobility, ensuring that the next generation of EVs is not only more efficient but also more resilient and sustainable.