As fleet electrification picks up pace, many more automakers, or OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) are entering the scene, with new battery-electric offerings in the medium and heavy-duty space. Successful uptake of these EVs will require fleets to optimize how the vehicles are deployed and managed, both of which will require the vehicles to support data collection.

Though the tools and components have changed radically since its hobbyist beginnings, the fascination and passion for electronics remains if the Maker Faire can serve as a judge.

Electronic component shortages have been a hindrance on a booming electronics marketplace throughout 2018, 2019, and into 2020. While new orders roll in and production remains steady, there simply haven’t been enough capacitors, resistors and other parts to go around.