The buzz of SEMA 2024 wasn’t just about roaring engines and futuristic builds—it was a stage for transformative conversations that ignited bold visions for the future of electrification. The Future Tech Studio became a hub of inspiration as industry leaders from Formosa EV, Unplugged Performance, and Meyers Manx shared their insights on the opportunities and challenges shaping the EV landscape.
Adding to the excitement, Formosa EV, a client we’re proud to collaborate with, took home SEMA’s Best EV Product Award, highlighting their trailblazing contributions to the automotive industry.
A Fireside Chat That Sparked Inspiration
The stage was set with an eager audience, as Motivo’s Product Director, Christian Dommell, kicked off a dynamic panel diving into the possibilities and challenges of electrification. Joining him were three industry leaders who are shaping the future of EV innovation:
Zachary Hwang, founder of Formosa EV, a pioneer in making EV conversions of classic vehicles easy and safe.
Ben Schaffer, CEO of Unplugged Performance, UP.FIT, and Bulletproof Automotive, the leader in Tesla tuning, EV customization and EV aftermarket up fits for police and tactical users.
Bill Strickland, co-CEO of Meyers Manx, reimagining a classic dune buggy for the electric era.
The panelists didn’t just discuss trends—they tackled the real-world hurdles of electrification, such as the complexities of supply chains and the challenges of consumer education needed to get more people behind the wheel of an EV, while highlighting opportunities like the rising tide of EV conversions and the innovations making electrification more accessible. Between laughs and lightning-round debates (Star Wars or Marvel?), they painted a vision of the future that was both practical and ambitious.
Missed the Action? Watch the Full Fireside Chat Below
If you couldn’t be there, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. We’ve recorded the full panel discussion packed with insights, bold ideas, and a glimpse of the future.
Formosa EV Powers Ahead With Best EV Product Win
The excitement peaked when Zachary Hwang shared the story behind Formosa EV’s award-winning Vehicle Control Unit. Designed to simplify EV conversions for DIY enthusiasts and professionals, the VCU offers OEM-grade reliability and user-friendly touchscreen functionality. Winning SEMA’s Best EV Product Award was a well-earned milestone in Formosa EV’s commitment to transforming electrification into a seamless, accessible reality for builders and enthusiasts alike.
"Our mission is to create the nicest, most user-friendly, OEM-grade EV components for builders. This award validates all the hard work we've put into achieving that."
- Zachary Hwang
Practicality Over Hype: Finding the Right Fit for EVs
What made this panel so captivating was its grounded approach to the electrification conversation. The speakers didn’t sugarcoat the realities—they addressed the steep costs of EV conversions, the challenges of sourcing quality components, and the limited capabilities of American manufacturing for specialized parts, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to diversify its supply chain to stay competitive.
The discussion shifted to the practicality of EVs, acknowledging that their effectiveness is highly use-case dependent. For example, an electric dune buggy is an excellent fit for leisure activities because of its limited range requirements. However, for drivers who cover long distances daily, EVs may not yet offer the convenience they need.
As Ben Schaffer put it:
"The philosophy is simple: buy the best tool for the job. More often than not, that’s becoming an EV."
The panelists emphasized that while EVs are practical for roughly 50% of the average American's needs today, that percentage grows every year as technology improves. The key takeaway? EVs aren’t about forcing change—they’re about offering a viable alternative that more people should experience.
Whether it’s the ease of maintaining an EV, the addictive acceleration, or the increasingly competitive total cost of ownership, electrification is gradually becoming a more practical choice for more people. But the panelists agreed on one point above all: the only way to understand the potential of an EV is to try one.