Jan 20 2025 70 mins 6
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
