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38 SMT007 MAGAZINE I SEPTEMBER 2025 paper examined how the reliability of EV charging stations, especially high-voltage Level 3 fast chargers, is essential to both sustainability and consumer confidence 11 . The paper introduced the "Connect— Clean—Coat" methodology, adapted from high-reli- ability industries, to improve manufacturing quality through robust solder joints, contamination control, and the use of protective coatings. It emphasizes that reliability reduces waste, supports climate goals, and stabilizes operations. Standards like IPC guide- lines, combined with highly accelerated testing, help build chargers that endure extreme conditions. Industry collaboration is crucial to aligning robust electronics design with long-term sustainability. The sustainability connection is especially urgent when it comes to PFAS. These substances, used in everything from battery separators to thermal fluids, are under increasing environmental scrutiny. As the industry races to identify alterna- tives, it must also ensure that replacements meet the same, or better, reliability thresholds. Conclusion and a Collective Call to Action As electrification accelerates, the burden placed on EV electronics will only grow. So will the expec- tations around safety, uptime, and sustainability. The road to reliability is more than a slogan; it's a systemic engineering and supply chain challenge that demands attention at every level—from mate- rials and PCB design to interconnects, testing, and field feedback loops. To meet the moment, the automotive electronics ecosystem, OEMs, Tier 1s, EMS providers, material suppliers, and test labs, must align on reliability standards, share lessons learned, and treat electronics with the same rigor once reserved for combustion systems. Because in the EV era, it's not just about going electric, it's about staying reliable. SMT007 References 1. "Data Center on Wheels: An Automotive Survey," Molex & Mouser Electronics, 2022. 2. "Market adoption trends and EV industry forecasts," KPMG Global Automotive Execu- tive Survey, 2023. 3. "Integral Thermal Management Studies in Winter Conditions with a Global Model of a Battery-Powered Electric Bus," by Alberto Broatch, et. al., Energies, 2023. 4. "PFAS Strategic Roadmap & Industry Implica- tions," by Roland Berger, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2023. 5. "The Future of Automotive Electronics," Roland Berger, 2021. 6. "Update: Rivian's 'Fat Finger' OTA Software Update Soft-Bricks R1T and R1S," by Rob Stumpf, InsideEVs, Nov. 15, 2023. 7. "Some Ford Mustang Mach-Es Are Bricking Despite Full Charge," by Alan Lau, Motor- trend, April 12, 2021. 8. "These Are The Biggest Problems And Con- sequences Of Electric Car OTA Updates," by Henry Kelsall, HotCars, March 17, 2023. 9. "Heavy Copper PCBs: Applications and Manufacturing," by Hackett, ALLPCB, March 19, 2025. 10. "The State of EV Charging and the Driver Experience," Annual Reliability Report, ChargerHelp, June 2024. 11. "The Importance of Reliable Charging Station Electronics for Building a Sustainable EV Ecosystem: 'R' YOU READY?", EV Quality and Reliability Group, Global Electronics Associa- tion, July 2025. In his role with the Global Electronics Association, Stan Rak serves on the e-Mobility Quality and Reliability Advisory Group. He is a co-chair of the Technical Program Committee, leading development of special sessions for EV, power electronics, and high voltage. Rak also serves as a consultant on automotive issues to the Technology Solutions team.