Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1531014
JANUARY 2025 I SMT007 MAGAZINE 31 • Standardization: Developing univer- sal charging standards facilitates interop- erability among different EV models and charging networks, simplifying the charg- ing process for consumers. Financially, the build-out of reliable public charging infrastructure is a substantial mar- ket. e Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allo- cates $7.5 billion to develop a national net- work of EV chargers, aiming for 500,000 sta- tions by 2030 3 . is investment translates into a significant demand for electronic compo- nents, control systems, and related technolo- gies, offering a lucrative opportunity for elec- tronics manufacturers. Federal Investments and Reliability Standards e Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act underscores the U.S. government's commit- ment to expanding and enhancing EV charg- ing infrastructure. e National Electric Vehi- cle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, a $5 billion initiative, provides funding to states for deploying EV charging stations along des- ignated Alternative Fuel Corridors. An addi- tional $2.5 billion is allocated for the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grants, targeting both corridor and community charging needs. A critical aspect of these federal programs is the emphasis on reliability. e NEVI program mandates that federally funded chargers must be operational at least 97% of the time, ensur- ing a dependable network for EV users. is requirement compels manufacturers and oper- ators to prioritize quality and maintenance, fostering consumer confidence in the charging infrastructure. Conclusion e public EV charging industry stands at a pivotal juncture, facing challenges in reliability that impact consumer adoption and economic growth. However, these challenges also pres- ent significant opportunities for the electron- ics manufacturing sector to innovate and lead in developing robust, smart, and standard- ized charging solutions. With substantial fed- eral investments and stringent reliability stan- dards, the path forward involves collaborative efforts to build a resilient and accessible charg- ing network, propelling the EV revolution and its associated economic benefits. Perhaps once the public EV charging station network is reliable, I can work on the next item on my wish list: the 2025 electric Corvette (E-Ray). SMT007 References 1. Global EV Sales for 2023, Jan 22. 2024, EV Volumes. 2. "The state of EV charging in America: Harvard research shows chargers 78% reliable and pricing like the 'Wild West,'" by Omar Asensio, et al, Insti- tute for Business in Global Society, June 26, 2024. 3. FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Standards and Major Progress for a Made-in-America Network of Electric Vehicle Chargers, Whitehouse.gov, Feb. 15, 2023. Resources • "U.S. electric vehicle infrastructure has tripled in 5 years. Here's how Missouri compares, Kan- sas City Star, Dec. 11, 2024. • "Electric vs. Gas: Here's What Consumer Reports Discovered about Vehicle Reliability," Consumer Reports, Dec. 5, 2024. • "An analysis of 20,000 EV stations concludes that charging is still a massive bummer," The Verge. • "Why Public EV Charging Sucks … and What's Being Done to Fix It", MotorTrend, July 3, 2024. • "California Investing in EV Charging Reliability Statewide With $63 Million in Federal Funding", Caltrans, Jan. 19, 2024. Mike Konrad is founder and CEO of Aqueous Technologies, and vice president of communi- cations for SMTA. To read past columns, click here.