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User:MichaelaŠim/sandbox

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Michal Simko
Born January 18, 1985
Education Brunel University of London (MEng)
Title Founder and CEO of SIMKO Limited

Michal Šimko is an entrepreneur, engineer, and expert in electric vehicle development. He is the founder and CEO of Simko Limited, an innovative startup focused on the development of electric hypercars (EVs) and the supply of cutting-edge technologies for the EV sector. As the Chief Product Architect and CTO, he leads the design and development of electric vehicle technologies, with a focus to building the most advanced technologies and electric cars, with high performance and exceptional features, developed to minimize environmental impact.[1]

Early Life and Education

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Michal Simko earned a Master of Engineering (MEng) degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Automotive Design from Brunel University,[2] London, graduating with First Class Honours in 2013. His academic background laid the foundation for his subsequent contributions to the automotive and electric vehicle industries.

Career

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Early Engineering Roles (2011–2017)

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[edit] Michal's career began at Delphi Diesel Systems in 2011, where he worked as a Design Engineer in experimental manufacturing, designing fixtures for diesel pump prototypes. This experience honed his skills in prototype development and problem-solving. From 2014 to 2015, Michal contributed to McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, UK, as a Development Engineer, where he managed prototype testing and provided technical support for McLaren's high-performance vehicle projects. His early career also saw roles at Gordon Murray Design and Envisage Group, where he gained valuable experience in bespoke vehicle design and composite body development.

Founding of Automotive Idea (2015)

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In 2015, Michal founded Automotive Idea, an automotive firm focused on innovative vehicle engineering solutions. As the Engineering Director, he spearheaded groundbreaking advancements in electric drives, high-voltage batteries, and vehicle closures. His expertise extended to designing mechanisms, hinges, and safety-focused solutions for diverse vehicle types. Notable achievements included:[3]

  • Pioneering sliding doors, body panels, and battery skateboards.
  • Revolutionizing windshield wiper systems and steering columns.
  • Engaging in custom projects, such as bespoke vehicle batteries, electric drives, and B-pillar-less rear doors.

Breakthrough in Electric Vehicles (2017–2022)

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[edit] Michal transitioned to the electric vehicle industry at ZOOX, where he became the Lead Engineering Consultant for Composite Body & Closures. His work on autonomous robotaxi pods showcased his expertise in designing composite structures and developing innovative closure systems, including electric moonroofs and sliding doors.

From 2018 to 2022, Michal worked at Rivian in various roles, focusing on studio engineering, production engineering, and advanced concept development. At Rivian, he was instrumental in designing prototype parts for autonomous vehicles, as well as battery structures for the R1S and commercial vehicle programs.

In 2022, Michal joined Aston Martin PerformanceTechnologies as a Concept Development Technical Specialist. Here, he contributed to the design and packaging of high-performance hypercars such as the AM Valhalla and Valkyrie, working on closures and composite structures.

In 2023, Michal served as the Lead Studio Engineering Consultant at Jaguar Land Rover, spearheading advanced concepts for future electric vehicle programs. He defined critical technical points that formed the foundation for upcoming projects and led the development of moving mechanisms.

In 2024, as a Bespoke Mechanisms Development Specialist, Michal collaborated with Prodrive Advanced Technologies to develop a custom complex mechanism for an automotive client, with specific project details remaining confidential due to an NDA. He managed the entire project lifecycle, from initial concept to design and prototype testing, engineering a complex assembly of hundreds of moving components integrated into the vehicle. The prototype was successfully delivered on schedule, allowing the client to refine it for production. Michal also supported Prodrive on various smaller projects, contributing to their success.

In 2023, Michal founded Simko Limited, driven by his passion for sustainable mobility. As the company's CEO and Chief Product Architect, he leads the design and development of electric vehicles, pushing the boundaries of innovation with an emphasis on high-voltage battery systems, advanced composite materials, and novel closure mechanisms.

Notable Projects

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Michal has spearheaded a number of cutting-edge projects in the EV industry, including:

  • High-Voltage Battery Testing Rig: He led the development of a 600V/500A battery testing rig, featuring a 24kWh LiFePO4 battery pack and a custom battery management system.
  • Swing Slide Door (SSD) Mechanism[4]: Michal designed an innovative SSD mechanism for SUVs and autonomous pods, implementing it in a modified Volvo XC90.
  • Electric Motor Refurbishment: He refurbished high-performance direct-drive axial flux motors, particularly the Yasa 750R, and programmed the Sevcon 700V inverter.
  • 3D Printing Enhancements: Michal enhanced the performance of a commercial FDM 3D printer, improving print speed by 50% and adding a liquid-cooled hot end for precision printing.

Technical Skills

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Michal is proficient in a variety of engineering disciplines, including expertise in CNC machining, 3D printing, injection molding, and composite material design. Michal has extensive experience in the design and testing of batteries, electric motors, inverters, and cooling systems. Michal is proficient in developing systems for self-driving vehicles, including radar and sensor integration.

Contributions to Sustainability

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Michal's work is focused on driving the future of eco-friendly transportation. His innovations in electric mobility, combined with his hands-on approach to engineering, position him as a key figure in the movement toward sustainable transportation.

References

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  1. ^ "Simko Automotive | Electric Hypercar & EV Technology". Simko Automotive. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
  2. ^ "Brunel University of London | Brunel University of London". www.brunel.ac.uk. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
  3. ^ "Home". automotiveidea.com. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
  4. ^ Automotive Idea (www.automotiveidea.com) (2019-09-03). New Swing Sliding Door for cars - Bugatti Chiron, Mercedes Benz S65 AMG & Tesla Model X. Retrieved 2024-10-08 – via YouTube.