Connected World: Partnering with OEMs on EV Innovation

“Regardless of the OEM model, they all need to advance battery technology and ensure the electrical infrastructure is there.”

The ecosystem of electric vehicles (EVs) is rapidly changing. With so many factors that impact the market, OEMs are evolving their models to meet consumer demand and infrastructure needs. Discussing the current state,  Steven Merkt, President, Transportation Solutions at TE Connectivity, joined Our Connected World host Tyler Kern.

“There have been many barriers in the way. First, it was making a battery that would last long enough and be cost-effective. Then getting through these economically unviable times. The third was would people want to drive them,” Merkt explained.

Those challenges are in the rearview, but many remain. “There’s capability and capacity. Capability has had a natural progression of faster charging but scaling it out for capacity isn’t easy for the auto industry,” Merkt noted.

The near-term issue is the supply chain, which every manufacturer has experienced. As a result, OEMs are responding and adapting. Infrastructure is still in flux, with some areas having easy access to charging where others don’t. Further, the energy used in charging needs to be sustainable.

All this change and rapid acceleration have OEMs stepping back and viewing themselves differently. “Before a car company was a car company. Now some see themselves as transportation or service companies. Regardless of their model, they all need to advance battery technology and ensure the electrical infrastructure is there,” Merkt added.

Merkt stated that the disruption has been good for the industry, allowing new players to bring value while traditional ones become more innovative. OEMs need to continue to deliver reliability and performance.  Users also need easy access to charging. Those are the priorities of all stakeholders in the EV market. Visit TE.com to read the full story on this topic: https://bit.ly/3zuf2oc

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

stealth students
Colleges Turn to Precision Marketing, Advanced Tracking, and Privacy-First Strategies to Engage Stealth Students
September 5, 2025

Colleges and universities face mounting challenges in reaching prospective students who never formally identify themselves in the recruitment process—often called “stealth shoppers.” Research shows that at least one in three applicants to private four-year colleges in the U.S. apply as stealth students. For enrollment leaders, this hidden audience—students who research institutions anonymously online before ever…

Read More
UGC
How to End UGC Self-Sabotage in B2B with Vidlo’s Chynna Morgan
September 4, 2025

Most B2B marketers already know user-generated content (UGC) has power. But too many still get in their own way — clinging to polished video shoots, siloed workflows, or the excuse that their brand “isn’t sexy.” In the latest episode of UGC for B2B, host Daniel Litwin sits down with Chynna Morgan, CEO & Founder…

Read More
How Hotels Bounce Back From the Unexpected
How Hotels Bounce Back From the Unexpected
September 4, 2025

In this episode of Inside Restoration & Recovery, host Martha Lewis sits down with Josh Creznic, Director of Hospitality Services at BMS CAT, to unpack the unique challenges and critical priorities in hotel restoration. With over two decades of experience in hospitality—spanning major brands like Marriott and Wyndham—Josh brings deep insight into how restoration…

Read More
Built from the Dirt Up: Dillan Dumont’s Journey from Bricklayer to Industry Disruptor
September 4, 2025

With all types of infrastructure across America aging, there has never been more of a need for smarter, less disruptive solutions than now. From trenchless pipe repair to utility innovation, the construction world is shifting and young leaders like Dillan Dumont are stepping into the spotlight. Cities like New York and Chicago are facing…

Read More