How can electrification and new battery technology save the planet? Johanna Trillkott, who is at the forefront of this transition leads the way.
She pursued a master’s in Sustainable electric power engineering and electromobility at Chalmers, following her initial studies in electrical engineering. Today, she works as a department programme manager for battery systems and battery cells at Volvo Cars.
– I develop battery cells for our future electric cars, collaborating with teams and suppliers. As a project manager, I coordinate the work in the team, ensuring that we meet deadlines and our goals, and lead in solving challenges, often through numerous meetings.
What is the best part of your job?
– It’s incredibly fun and exciting! Battery technology, especially lithium-ion batteries, is still new in the automotive industry, making it feel like we’re transforming both the industry and society. Additionally, it’s rewarding to work on something that improves the local environment and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Why are electric cars the future?
– The transition to electric cars is rapid, especially in Sweden. It’s changing both the automotive industry and user perceptions. Once you have an electric car and a charging strategy, you quickly realize its many benefits. Electric cars are quiet, smooth, and much more convenient in your daily life compared to petrol or diesel cars.
My master's gave me a broad competence that opened doors in both the transport sector and in energy distribution
How did you land your current job?
– After graduating, I joined Volvo Cars’ two-year trainee programme. This allowed me to explore different areas and various roles within the company, leading to my current position. Volvo Cars is a large company with high mobility, which I think is an advantage.
What was the best part of your master’s?
– I could focus on my interests, gaining broad competence that opened doors in both the transport sector and energy distribution. Studying as an exchange student in Singapore for a year was a wonderful experience. Meeting students from all over the world and seeing their perspectives was very rewarding.
How did your master’s program prepare you for your current role?
– It gave me a strong technical foundation and skills for solving complex problems. Collaborative projects with other students taught me teamwork, problem-solving, and meeting deadlines.
How was your student life during your studies?
– I was active in various associations and balanced my studies with leisure. I made lifelong friends and found that Chalmers offered something for everyone, whether you prefer focusing solely on your studies or choose to also engage in social activities.
Find out more about the programme
Sustainable electric power engineering and electromobility, MSc
The global consumption of electricity and electronic devices is constantly increasing and the way electricity is produced, transmitted, distributed, and consumed is undergoing a fundamental change. The growth of electric vehicles and renewable energy production in the coming decades will only further this development. In this master’s programme, you will gain deep technical competence and a sustainable mindset, preparing you for a dynamic and rewarding career in the electric power engineering industry. You will learn to design the electric power systems of the future with sustainability as a key focus, including wind and solar power or smart grids.