RM 160: Opportunities and Challenges within the EV Industry

Today, we’re diving into one of the most transformative innovations of our time: electric vehicles and the vast infrastructure needed to support their growth. 

Joining host Mike Konrad is Brian O’Leary, global head of of e-Mobility & Infrastructure at Indium Corporation, a leading expert with deep insights into the electronic assembly industry and its critical role in the EV revolution.

As electric vehicles continue to redefine the future of transportation, the reliability and scalability of the infrastructure that powers them—particularly public EV charging stations—have become pivotal challenges. 

The electronics assembly industry is at the heart of these systems, from the semiconductors enabling fast charging to the sensors ensuring safe and efficient operation. However, with nearly 26% of public EV charging stations estimated to be nonfunctional at any given time, reliability remains a significant hurdle.

This episode will explore the major reliability issues plaguing public EV charging stations, including power instability, component failures, and environmental challenges. How innovations in electronics design and assembly can address these challenges, from improving thermal management to leveraging advanced materials like those developed by soldering materials manufacturers.

The exciting opportunities for the electronics industry to lead the charge in building a more resilient, reliable, and efficient EV infrastructure.

Brian O’Leary brings a wealth of knowledge on how advanced materials, smart assembly techniques, and innovative designs can solve these pressing issues and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. 

Together, we’ll review the technical challenges, explore solutions, and look ahead to the bright future of electric mobility.

Chapters:

00:00:00 The Future of Transportation with Electric Vehicles

00:02:48 Fascination with Electric Vehicles 

00:06:03 The Dilemma of Electric Vehicles: A Personal Story 

00:09:12 Global Automotive Industry Trends 

00:12:22 The Simplicity of EV Design vs. Combustion Engines 

00:15:25 Notorious Tech Launch Strategies 

00:18:22 Stress on Electric Vehicle Components

00:21:34 Differences in EV Charging Technology

00:24:23 Optimal Conditions for EV Battery Performance

00:27:15 Safety Debate: Lithium-ion Batteries vs. Gasoline Engines

00:30:28 The Evolution of Safer Battery Chemistries

00:33:45 Challenges with EV Charging Infrastructure

00:37:22 EV Charging Station Failures: Understanding the 26% Rate

00:40:30 Environmental Challenges for Electronics in Unusual Locations

00:43:32 Quality Control in Electronics Manufacturing 

00:46:29 Tesla Charging Stations: Reliability and Self-Reporting 

00:49:30 Challenges with Remote EV Charging Stations 

00:52:35 Adoption of Tesla's Charging Standard in North America

00:55:41 Evolution of High-Reliability Alloys in Automotive

00:58:44 The Future of Autonomous Vehicles in Traffic Management

01:01:39 Future of Autonomous Transportation

01:04:42 Localization Trends in EV Manufacturing

01:07:43 The Promise of Flying Cars and Exponential Tech Growth

01:10:36 Introduction to Reliability Matters Podcast