LAS VEGAS — The organizers of the SEMA Show are devoting more space and time than ever this year to electric vehicles, with a 21,000-sq.-ft. specialized exhibit area at the Las Vegas Convention Center and a range of EV-related seminars, programs and activities throughout the Center during the Nov. 1-4 event.
Located in the LVCC's North Hall, the SEMA Electrified section is dedicated to advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology, including new products and solutions for EV platforms and conversions, SEMA said. The section has grown significantly since it debuted in 2019, when it was a 2,500-sq.-ft. space.
"The EV aftermarket is evolving quickly and continues to change; we're curating a unique collection of the latest products related to electric vehicles and the aftermarket," Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events, said.
"SEMA Electrified will help businesses see the latest trends and understand how the EV market has evolved. Visitors will gain an understanding of the advancements and opportunities for the future."
Alternative powertrains represent just 1% of the 250 million cars, SUVs and light-duty trucks in operation on American roads, SEMA said, but sales and interest in EVs are increasing rapidly.
According to recent SEMA Market Research, the EV 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.
In addition to the dedicated SEMA Electrified section — where SEMA expects more than 35 vehicles and close to 60 different exhibits to be on display — the organizers said there will be numerous EV-focused projects and products displayed throughout the LVCC's various halls.
Among the exhibits expected at SEMA Electrified will be OEM vehicles, conversion components, late-model EV accessories, charging solutions, EV safety and service equipment, and education and training stages, SEMA said.
In addition to seminars and training taking place in SEMA Electrified, there are over 70 EV-related seminars offered through the official SEMA Show Education program, addressing topics such as the U.S. infrastructure needed to support widespread adoption of EVs, the intricacies of converting classic cars to electric power, and where the growth opportunities are for the aftermarket.
"Everything about EV in the aftermarket is growing: Participation, interest, advancements," Luis Morales, SEMA director of vehicle technology, said.
"This year's SEMA Show will have more EV-related products and activities than ever before."
Additionally, SEMA will present the first-ever SEMA Award for Electric Vehicle of the Year on Oct. 31 and recognize the best new EV-focused products with Best New Product Awards, presented Nov. 1 at the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast.
To learn more about the 2022 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com.
