Welcome to DPA’s April 2025 issue!

As we shift gears towards a net zero future, the question on everyone’s mind is: what’s it going to take for electric vehicles truly to hit the mainstream? We’ve come a long way since the first electric cars hit the market. The number of electric vehicles has increased tenfold in just five years. However, with news of major European players closing plants and laying off thousands of employees, it’s clear that the automotive sector cannot handle this ambitious transition singlehandedly. DPA's Editor Sophia Bell explores further in this month's column (p. 4).

Speaking of moving towards a net zero future, the global shift toward renewable energy has placed wind power at the forefront of sustainable electricity generation. As wind turbines grow in scale and complexity, rigorous testing is essential to ensure reliability, minimise costs, and drive innovation. R&D Test Systems explains in our cover story (p. 24).

Finally, what is a supplier? On page 6, Roger Haw, CEO of Flame Hardeners, asks some pertinent questions and shares his thoughts on industry’s definition and understanding of suppliers. He further explores the ‘hidden value’ they bring to the supply chain and ultimately to the quality of product manufactured.

Other top stories include:
• How engineers can measure and manage manufacturing stress levels (p. 22)
• Streamlining EV charging: How simple and smart connectors secure seamless compatibility (p. 30)
• Could you eliminate the need for a primer? (p. 12)
• Video of the Month: HVAC hack: How to drive down the cost of energy (p. 37)
• Substation digitalisation and next-level testing (p. 26)
• Precision fasteners power the growth of the medical equipment industry (p. 8)
• The continuing evolution of valve terminals in industrial automation (p. 16)

Grab your free digital copy now and let us know your thoughts!

Contact sophia.bell@imlgroup.co.uk if you think there are any specific topics we should be covering.