Our Connected World: What is Driving the Acceleration of EV Vehicles?

The trend for seeing electric vehicles (EV) on the road has been on the rise. Sameer Pagnis, President of Global Automotive at TE Connectivity, joined Host Tyler Kern to discuss facilitators and roadblocks in the EV field.

A convergence of factors are responsible for increasing EV prevalence. The technology is integrating rapidly, battery-pack density is improving, and economics make these cars more affordable. The performance factor that makes it difficult for consumers to go back to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles once they have driven EVs.

Alternatively, the main barrier preventing EVs from a complete overhaul of ICE vehicles is range or charge anxiety, which includes charge time, how many miles a charge gets, and charge station availability. “Once that charge anxiety is addressed, that eliminates the primary hurdle of widespread adoption from a technology perspective,” said Pagnis.

The electrical power of these vehicles also poses an added safety challenge. Pyrotechnic or fire events needs to be known to the driver at least 20 minutes ahead of time. The high voltage switching in EVs also causes terminal and electromagnetic noise. Pagnis summarized: “The density of power that can charge rapidly and be made available economically and functions reliably; that is the biggest challenge.”

The future of EV will rely on consumer experience. TE must take their experience and find people, supplies, and customers who can partner and provide the right level of input. “It is all about bringing all of those experiences together and learning from it rapidly so that the end consumers get the best product.”

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