DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.13.22) – Vehicle electrification is a continuously growing automotive trend, and some states are actively pushing consumers to transition from ICE to EVs. In fact, California has recently mandated 35% zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) sales by 2026 and banned all new non-ZEV sales by 2035, while Washington has set a target of 2030 to phase out the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered vehicles.

With that in mind, in 2019, SEMA’s forward thinking led to the creation of a dedicated “SEMA Electrified” Show section, which highlighted the endless possibilities in the electric market. It returned with a larger presence in 2021 following the 2020 COVID-19 hiatus. Last year, electrification projects and products could also be found in virtually every hall, with conversion platforms including ’60s sedans and musclecars, early Broncos and square-body Chevys, Bonneville racers, sand rails and Baja prerunners. While still a small fraction of the hundreds of builds at the Show, their existence on the Show floor heralded the beginning of a new era in the specialty-equipment aftermarket—and one that holds great promise for aspiring builders and customizers looking to leverage this latest technology to create new revenue streams.

This year’s Show will feature an even more expanded SEMA Electrified section. Located in the North Hall, Booth #11268, the specialized exhibit area will feature the latest advancements in EV technology, including new products and solutions for EV platforms and conversions. In addition to SEMA Electrified, EV projects and products will again be displayed throughout the Show floor. Also, the SEMA Show New Products Showcase—consistently voted as the No. 1 destination by buyers and media—will add a new category for products related to EVs.

The younger generation in particular seems to be enthusiastic about EVs. In fact, 14-year-old Frances Farnam of Tinkergineering stopped by the SEMA Garage earlier this year with her ’76 Porsche 914, which she and her dad are restoring and converting to electric. It will be showcased at SEMA Electrified as an EV project in progress.

“The EV aftermarket is evolving quickly; we’re curating a unique collection of the latest products related to electric vehicles and the aftermarket,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “SEMA Electrified will help businesses see the latest trends and understand how the EV market continues to change. We have also added many new education sessions centered around the EV marketplace so visitors will gain an understanding of the advancements and opportunities for the future.”

Although alternative powertrains currently represent just 1% of the 250 million cars, SUVs and light-duty trucks in operation on American roads, sales and interest in EVs are increasing rapidly. According to recent SEMA Market Research, the electric market includes several areas of opportunity for the aftermarket, including the development of parts and products to aid in the conversion of older internal-combustion vehicles; building and modifying new project, racing and purpose-built vehicles; and expertly accessorizing new OEM electric offerings. SEMA is dedicated to helping its member companies identify those opportunities and adapt to the growing segment of the industry.

EV Conversion Companies Exhibiting This Year

The number of EV conversion companies exhibiting this year continues to flourish, and more players will enter the space each year as consumer demand increases. Here is a sampling of some of the EV-conversion and related companies that are scheduled to exhibit at the 2022 SEMA Show as of press time. Visit www.SEMAShow.com for future updates.

The Atom Drive EV system from Ampere EV utilizes a homebuilt Advanced Control System to support a full compliment of EV components sourced from third parties such as Tesla and Cascadia. Customers can build their own system by choosing from a range of batteries, chargers, wiring options and LED screens. (888-984-7601, www.ampereev.com)

APP EV Systems, a division of Advanced Performance Parts, designs, builds and sells turnkey EV conversion kits for classic cars that are engineered to OE specifications. Applications for Porsche 911s, BMW E9s and Chevrolet C2 Corvettes, among others, are available later this year and early 2023. (360-935-1228, ppevsystems.com)

Autel Energy now offers the MaxiCharger home 40- and 50-amp AC plug-in wallbox Level 2 EV chargers, smart chargers that are compatible with all EV and hybrid plug-in vehicles. The chargers offer adjustable charging up to 40–50 amps, depending on model. (855-288-3587, www.autelenergyus.com)

Electric GT offers turnkey E-Crate conversion systems to replace four-, six, or eight-cylinder ICE vehicles. (619-717-6009, www.electricgt.com)

Hypercraft USA offers turnkey electric drive systems for everything from one-off builds to scaled commercial production. (208-670-7289, www.hypercraftusa.com)

Legacy EV has an EV conversion kit for virtually any gas-powered vehicle manufactured since 1900. Legacy also offers a variety of individual components for EV conversions, and educational programs for technicians as well. (602-518-3223, legacyev.com)

Motorcadd specializes in EV conversions for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and vans. (352-223-1723, www.motorcadd.com)

Scorpion EV converts Mk4 roadsters from Factory Five Racing to full EV power using a Tesla Model S drivetrain. All the customer needs to do, the company says, is select their roadster’s color, and Scorpion will handle the rest. (www.scorpion-ev.com).

EV-Related Education Sessions at the Show

The 2022 SEMA Show will feature more than 70 education sessions, some of which will focus on vehicle electrification. Examples include:

• Electric Vehicles: What You Need to Know and How to Prepare Your Shop, Monday, October 31, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., Location: N256 
• EVs Aren’t Freezing Out ICE Vehicles Yet, Tuesday, November 1, 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m., Location: N254
• The Electric Truck: Tap Into New Opportunities, Tuesday, November 1, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Location: W208
• EV Powertrains for Classic Cars,  Wednesday, November 2, 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m., Location: N256
• Feasibility of Widespread EV Adoption and the True Environmental Benefits, Wednesday, November 2, 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., Location: N256
• Peer Into the Future: Envision the SEMA Show in 10 Years, Thursday, November 3, 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m., Location: N252
• The Future of the Aftermarket in an Electrified World, Powered by ETTN, Thursday, November 3, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Location: N256 
• The Future of ICE: Hedging Your Bet With Investment in EVs, Thursday, November 3, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.

Click here to view a list of the SEMA Electrified Education program sessions.

For a review of the 2022 SEMA Show Education Program, visit www.SEMAshow.com/education.

Click here to view a list of must-see SEMA Show features and events.

To learn more about the 2022 SEMA Show taking place November 1–4, in Las Vegas, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.30.22) – SEMA has announced the finalists for its first-ever SEMA Automotive Influencer of the Year award. The new program recognizes content creators and social media influencers who have significantly supported and helped build enthusiasm for the automotive industry and car culture. The new award will be presented to one of the top-five finalists at the 2022 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet to honor an influencer who has built an engaged audience and used his or her platform to positively impact car enthusiasts of all ages.

The five finalists for the 2022 SEMA Automotive Influencer of the Year award are Larry Chen, ChrisFix, TJ Hunt, Adam LZ, and Alex Taylor.

The award is a result of the rise of content creators’ and social media influencers’ impact on the industry. Finalists for the award were selected based on their presence and influence across social media channels, including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more. The coveted SEMA Industry Awards Banquet will host the finalists and recognize their impact on growing the $50.9 billion automotive specialty-equipment industry.

“These influencers and creators have built up a tremendous voice to help promote, shape, and protect the automotive industry,” said SEMA Chairman James Lawrence. “Each of them has the ability to share their stories and connect with their fans in a personal and impactful way. They also generate tons of excitement and enthusiasm for the automotive industry. They are a big part of being an automotive enthusiast today, and it’s time we recognize them for their contributions.”

Fueled by the SEMA Show’s energy and passion, influencers will head to Las Vegas during the first week of November to connect with manufacturers and builders, learn about new products, witness vehicle unveilings, and attend industry gatherings while sharing their experiences for the world to see.

“Automotive influencers embody the passion that makes being a car person so special,” continued Lawrence. “The content they create is a great representation of what car culture is all about.”

The SEMA Automotive Influencer of the Year award winner will be announced at the newly revamped SEMA Industry Awards Banquet on Thursday, Nov. 3. The banquet, which is the annual celebration of the specialty-equipment industry, will also provide the backdrop for the presentation of other industry awards, including SEMA Person of the Year and SEMA Gen-III Innovator of the Year.

Visit sema.org and semashow.com for more.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.27.22) – Quality is one of the most important functions of a manufacturing business. While large companies are able to invest heavily in sophisticated quality management systems, small businesses are often intimidated by these processes. That doesn’t mean that small businesses can or should dismiss the importance of manufacturing quality products.  

SEMA-member manufacturers are invited to a live webinar, “World-Class Manufacturing for the Small Business,” September 28, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT), where Josh Saldivar, director of manufacturing at BluePrint Engines, will go over the proven principles of lean manufacturing and explain the essential elements that are particularly useful to small businesses. Attendees will learn the balance between a robust quality system and an efficient operation, and the value-add processes that improve quality without bogging down small businesses with red tape.   

Click here to register

The webinar will also touch on lean- and quality-system basics, how to decide what processes are right for a business and how to implement quality systems without major disruption. Saldavir will answer participants’ questions live.

Visit sema.org for more.

PLYMOUTH, MI (08.22.22) – The SEMA Garage in Detroit, MI, is now open for business. The new 45,000-square-foot facility represents a significant milestone for the automotive aftermarket industry and is the first-ever research facility dedicated to testing and understanding how the aftermarket is impacted and can successfully work with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Located in Plymouth, MI – just 30 miles from Detroit – the SEMA Garage Detroit features a large ADAS technology center, an installation center, and will expand to include a four-wheel chassis dyno lab, and another dyno lab capable of testing diesel and gasoline tailpipe emissions. Like the high-tech SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, Calif., the Detroit facility will give aftermarket parts manufacturers access to sophisticated resources that are typically accessible only to large-scale manufacturers.

“The SEMA Garage Detroit is a game changer in helping aftermarket manufacturers develop products for today’s sophisticated automobiles,” said Ben Kaminsky, SEMA Garage Detroit General Manager. “We will be collaborating with automakers, suppliers, and key players in the industry to conduct some groundbreaking research. We are really going to be able to take product development and testing capabilities to a whole new level.”

Similar to the facility in Diamond Bar, the SEMA Garage in Detroit will feature exclusive OEM measuring sessions, scanning services, advanced tools and equipment, a CARB-recognized emissions lab, and a modern training center for members to use. Since opening in 2014, the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar has helped manufacturers to secure more than 600 Executive Orders (EOs) from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) – more than any other testing facility.

The SEMA Garage in Detroit will offer all SEMA members complimentary access to automotive garage tools and equipment for aftermarket product development, R&D, prototyping, and measuring sessions. Additionally, the facility is available for trainings, how-to/installation videos, product reveals, and production video and photography.

Moreover, 5,000 of the 45,000-sq.-ft. building will be devoted exclusively to research on ADAS. The ADAS Center represents a new venture for SEMA, where manufacturers will be able to obtain static calibration of on-board vehicle ADAS systems (radars and cameras). With access to OEM-quality equipment and procedures, manufacturers will be able to easily troubleshoot software/hardware obstacles, as well as work on dynamic testing in conjunction with local facilities.

“The SEMA Garage Detroit facility opens up new doors and opportunities for our member companies and SEMA,” said Kaminsky. “We will be able to elevate our current offerings by making the services accessible to new members, incorporating new technology, and collaborating with key partners in the area.”

The Detroit facility is three times larger than the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar. SEMA Garage Detroit features new equipment, such as emissions and horsepower testing for all-wheel-drive and diesel vehicles, vehicle lifts, full sets of tools, fabrication equipment, an alignment rack, 3D scanning tools, and engineering software. The lab accommodates a 48-inch all-wheel-drive chassis dynamometer and includes a new emissions test bench. With equipment that meets CARB’s new 1066 testing requirement standards, SEMA Garage Detroit will be able to perform all required CARB and EPA test procedures.

“SEMA Garage provides manufacturers access to tools and equipment without the exorbitant individual costs,” said Kaminsky. “Manufacturers no longer need to rely on trial and error for their product development, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. SEMA Garage Detroit will enable more manufacturers access to our resources.”

Through the SEMA Garage’s resources, manufacturers are often able to develop fully functional prototypes in as little as two weeks and obtain CARB EOs in as little as 12 weeks. The SEMA Garage Detroit facility is now open for members.

For more information, visit www.semagarage.com.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.12.22) – New research from SEMA finds that the pickup truck market accounted for 31% of the $50.9 billion overall specialty-equipment market in 2021. For the aftermarket, this number presents a massive opportunity to grow their business and expand in this market.

To learn more about the aftermarket pickup truck market, including details about the vehicles, specialty parts and the people who buy and accessorize them, join data analysts and experts from the SEMA market research team during a live webinar on August 24, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT). Attendees will learn about new data and findings from the all-new “SEMA Pickup Accessorization Report,” which is scheduled to available on August 24.

As a live webinar, the SEMA Market Research team will answer questions and provide details to help businesses understand how the data applies to their businesses.

Register here