Observations from CES 2024
I recently attended the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Vegas and, wow, what a show it was…especially the innovations in EV and EV charging! They certainly celebrated their 100th year in style!
Our parent company, Sensata , participated and promoted their EL (Electrification) initiatives in a technology-leading booth that consistently drew significant crowds and interest. As I walked the aisles, the technology on display was amazing – and with my professional focus being on EV and EV charging innovations, I honestly felt a little like a kid in a candy shop. Below are my observations about what I saw:
- Kia revealed impressive innovations in EV with their commercial lineup, which symbolizes a new era of modular electric powertrains and cabins. Kia PV5, a beacon of this modular approach, is set to redefine commercial transportation with its adaptable and versatile design.
- Charging technologies saw some groundbreaking advancements. Zerova Technologies introduced their MegaWatt Charging System, an innovative solution catering to commercial heavy-duty vehicles, highlighting the leaps made in high-capacity EV charging.
- NaaS Technology unveiled a 720KW liquid-cooled ultra-fast charging system, showcasing its commitment to future-proofed and versatile charging solutions. They also debuted an automatic energy supply charging robot!
- Star Charge showcased diverse charging solutions, including bi-directional chargers and smart energy management systems, emphasizing the growing need for efficient and adaptable charging infrastructure. Their solutions also promote micro-grids which will become more relevant and sought after to help enable charging at points of distribution congestion and provide resilience to installations in the event of outages.
- AmpUp’s commercial EV charging management platform highlighted the importance of streamlined and accessible charging processes for EV use. Its user-friendly interface and broad hardware compatibility make it a promising solution for businesses and individuals alike.
- Aispex made a significant impact with its mobile EV fast chargers. These chargers, still in their prototype phase, are designed for flexibility and ease of use. The smaller unit, perfect for roadside assistance, stores 50kWh of energy and delivers a solid 20kW of power. The larger unit includes a capacity of 184 kWh of energy for more demanding scenarios with a 50kW charging capability. These units exemplify Aispex’s commitment to delivering practical, on-the-go charging solutions for various scenarios.
- A newer entrant to the U.S. market, Pikka Electric Corporation’s portfolio includes a DC-coupled 400KW high-power charger, underscoring the industry’s push towards more efficient, high-capacity charging solutions.
- The move to this DC-coupled topology is pivotal in lowering both capital expenditures and improving operating efficiency, especially in a fleet charging topology. DC-coupled charging topologies also lend themselves to a more efficient and logical integration of other DC resources such as PV, wind, hydrogen fuel cells, and battery energy storage. I believe this to be the next evolution in charging architectures.
- When I visited the Sensata booth to catch up, I was impressed to see how they are leading the way in developing transformative solutions for the aerospace industry and electric vehicles (EVs). They offer innovative electromechanical and sensor-based solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and performance in these markets. Their innovative contributions have been recognized as finalists in Automotive News’ 2023 PACE Awards , highlighting their commitment to providing sustainable and efficient transportation solutions in both the automotive and aerospace industries.
All these advancements from the EV and EV charging industry paint a promising picture of a future where electric vehicles and their charging infrastructures will be mainstream, shaping our transportation landscape towards a more sustainable and efficient future.
