Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1531014
30 SMT007 MAGAZINE I JANUARY 2025 ity and accessibility. Addressing these issues is crucial for the continued growth of the EV market and presents substantial opportunities for the electronics manufacturing industry. Reliability Challenges in Public EV Charging Stations Public EV charging stations are plagued by reliability issues, undermining consumer con- fidence and hindering widespread EV adop- tion. A study by the Harvard Business School revealed that approximately 78% of public charging stations in the U.S. are operational at any given time, leaving a significant portion (22%) non-functional due to various technical problems 2 . In contrast, if 22% of gas pumps in the U.S. were nonfunctional, that would reduce the number of gas pumps by over 46,000. ere are several reasons for the poor reli- ability performance of public EV chargers: • Hardware failures: Malfunctions in charg- ing connectors, screens, and payment sys- tems are prevalent, oen resulting from inadequate maintenance and exposure to environmental factors. • Soware glitches: Problems with network connectivity and payment processing can prevent successful charging sessions, frus- trating users and deterring potential EV buyers. • Vandalism and misuse: Public chargers are susceptible to vandalism and improper use, leading to downtime and increased maintenance costs. ese reliability concerns not only inconve- nience current EV owners but also deter pro- spective buyers, slowing the transition to elec- tric mobility. Economic Impact of Unreliable Charging Infrastructure The economic implications of unreliable public charging infrastructure are profound. Inconsistent charging availability can lead to anxiety, discouraging consumers from pur- chasing EVs and thereby affecting the auto- motive market's shift toward electrification. This hesitation hampers efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and diminishes potential economic benefits from the bur- geoning EV sector. Moreover, businesses that rely on elec- tric fleets face operational inefficiencies due to unreliable charging stations, leading to increased costs and reduced productivity. e cumulative effect of these issues can stifle innovation and economic growth within the EV ecosystem. Opportunities for Electronics Manufacturing Enhancing the reliability of public EV charg- ing stations presents significant opportunities for the electronics manufacturing industry. Key areas for development include: • Advanced components and board design: Manufacturing robust and weather-resis- tant charging hardware can reduce failure rates and maintenance needs. • Smart systems: Integrating Internet of ings (IoT) technologies enables real- time monitoring and predictive main- tenance, ensuring higher uptime and improved user experience.