Q&A with Volvo's Powertrain chief

Mehdi Ferhan said optimizing existing technology was a challenge but ultimately the right solution for Volvo to satisfy new NOx regulations. And he says he has never been bored a single day in his career as an engineer.

SAE Media senior editor Chris Clonts had an exclusive opportunity at ACT 2026 to sit down with Volvo Group's senior vice president of powertrain technology, Mehdi Ferhan. The talk of the day was EPA 2027 and its new NOx emission standard. Other topics in the free-ranging conversation included BEVs, hydrogen and current opportunities for engineers. The following was edited for length and clarity.