Semiconductor Chip Scarcity Could Have Dire Impact on Electric Vehicle Production

Have you heard about the “automotive chip famine” that has crippled vehicle production worldwide?

Pandemic-driven supply chain disruptions are largely to blame for this global shortage of semiconductor chips, which in the auto industry are used for vital components such as safety sensors, brake systems and driver assistance technology as well as batteries for electric vehicles (EVs).

Manufacturers such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Toyota Motor Corporation, Volkswagen AG and now Tesla have had to delay or halt production because of chip scarcity, which could last into the third quarter of 2021, according to market analysts.

Considering that many EV manufacturers had plans to ramp up production this year, it will be interesting to see how this crisis impacts the projected growth of the EV market. Here’s a whitepaper from IHS Markit with further insights: http://ow.ly/iXDc50DVLpT

If you’re looking to buy a new EV in this unpredictable market, you might be interested in the helpful shopping tips found on Cars.com: http://ow.ly/GGRO50DVLqZ

Voltrek Team Installs Ultra-Fast ABB Terra HP Chargers in Jefferson County, New York

The word is out! New York just unveiled its FIRST fast-charging station for electric vehicles in Jefferson County.

The new hub at Watertown's Hilton Garden Inn features Terra HP chargers from ABB. This dynamic-charging solution can be used by any EV and offers lightning-quick speeds—from 175kW up to 350kW, which is more powerful than Tesla’s superchargers! Voltrek lent its design and installation expertise on this milestone project to prime contractor EV Connect.

The Watertown installation belongs to the statewide EVolve NY charging network, part of a New York Power Authority (NYPA) initiative designed to encourage the widespread adoption of EVs. For your reading delight, here's a news release with further details: http://ow.ly/NFrj50CHc7B

Information about the Watertown EVolve NY fast chargers, and others coming online, can be found on PlugShare at http://ow.ly/NrkX50CHcfW or by downloading the Chargeway app.

EVs Are Fun for the Whole Family ... and Even Man's Best Friend!

When it’s time to hit the road, spunky Pippa always calls shotgun!

Let’s face it, it’s more fun to chase squirrels when you’re cruising in an electric vehicle. 😉

Of course the BEST feature of this Tesla is the “dog mode” shown on the dash, which keeps the climate comfortable while the owner is away.

Portable Chargers Offer Additional Peace of Mind for EV Owners

Incredible things are happening in Voltrek's neck of the woods—it's so phenomenal, it even aired on national television!

A Massachusetts-based company, SparkCharge, just rolled out a new portable charger for electric vehicles (EVs) called the "Roadie." Featured on ABC News's Shark Tank last week, this ultrafast charging system can generate 15 miles of range in just 15 minutes. The Roadie can be configured to offer up to 17.5 kWh of power, which translates to about 60 to 75 miles of additional range in between traditional charging pitstops. Currently, it is only available with a CHAdeMO connector (great news for Tesla drivers with adapters!), but a CCS option should be available soon. Here’s a great article from InsideEVs with even more info.

Portable EV chargers could really help to remove the barriers of EV adoption. Because our nation's EV charging infrastructure is still developing, some people struggle with "range anxiety" (i.e., concern about running out of a charge and getting stranded on the side of the road). Fortunately, disruptive technologies like the Roadie can offer additional peace of mind.