Bacancy Systems launches 1.92 MW modular EV charging system to revolutionise heavy-duty fleet infrastructure

The market for multilayer ceramic capacitors used in vehicles is poised for significant expansion, thanks to advances in miniaturisation, safety systems, and global supply chain shifts, with Asia-Pacific leading the charge.The market for multilayer ceramic capacitors, or MLCCs, used in automotive electronics, is really showing some strong growth these days. It’s mainly fueled by big technological shifts and the way vehicle electrification is changing. In fact, the sector was valued at about $12.8 billion in 2024, and it’s expected to grow to nearly $19.7 billion by 2032. That’s a compound annual growth rate—CAGR—of around 6.5%. This upward trend basically highlights how crucial MLCCs are in stabilizing semiconductor functions and managing power signals, especially given the more and more complex electronic systems in today’s cars. Now, MLCCs are pretty much essential passive components in vehicles because they pack a high capacitance punch and can withstand tough automotive environments. A typical modern vehicle is estimated to have somewhere between 3,000 and 5,000 of these units—way more than the roughly 1,000 capacitors you’d find in high-end smartphones. This huge number actually points to how dominant the automotive industry is in the MLCC market. And especially with electric vehicles—well, those numbers jump even higher. For EVs, you’re looking at upwards of 10,000 MLCCs per car, due to their complex power management, battery inverters, and advanced driver assistance systems, or ADAS. Asia-Pacific is leading the charge when it comes to this market. It controls over half of the global share, with China alone making up about 32%. Japan, on the other hand, is a big player as well, being the top exporter of finished vehicles—shipping roughly 3.5 million units in 2022, which shows its strong position in supply chains for components like MLCCs. Government push for electrification and hybrid tech in this region has definitely helped boost demand here. As a result, the CAGR for Asia-Pacific’s automotive industry is forecasted at about 7.6% through 2033, making it a vital engine for growth in the overall MLCC ecosystem. Another important factor driving this market forward is the rise of ADAS. Vehicles with things like collision avoidance and lane-keeping aid, and even autonomous driving features, need high-reliability MLCCs that meet industry standards like AEC-Q200 certification. Usually, these systems use between 500 and 800 specialized MLCCs each, and in premium vehicles, that number can be even higher. Globally, safety regulations are pushing automakers to include more of these gadgets, which keeps the demand for capacitors that are durable and can perform well even under tough conditions, pretty steady. In response to these needs, manufacturers are also innovating in miniaturisation. Packages that used to be 0603 (that’s a size code for surface-mount devices) are now shrinking down to 0201 and even smaller sizes. And, interestingly enough, they’re doing this without sacrificing capacitance strength. Big players like Murata Manufacturing, TDK, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, and Taiyo Yuden are at the forefront, developing ultra-compact, high-capacitance MLCCs that can handle higher temperatures and voltages. These advances allow for better component density on circuit boards, meaning the cars can feature more sophisticated functions without taking up more space. Material science is also making big waves here. Technologies like atomic layer deposition are helping improve dielectric layer uniformity and increase capacitance density—pretty handy for next-gen MLCCs. Plus, manufacturers have ramped up production in North America and Europe to reduce lead times, especially as global supply chains have faced disruptions lately. These moves help them stay responsive and competitive. As for the market landscape, it’s pretty competitive but somewhat oligopolistic—mostly dominated by Japanese and Korean firms. Murata, for example, holds nearly 40% of the worldwide market by leveraging its technological edge and strong partnerships with OEMs. TDK and Samsung also hold sizable shares and are pushing forward with innovations in miniaturization and reliability. Newer Chinese companies like Holy Stone and Walsin Technology are entering the scene as well, mainly competing on price and production scale, backed by government R&D investments. Established players are countering by localising their production and bolstering their high-temperature, high-voltage MLCC portfolios, which are essential for EVs, ADAS, and connected car systems. Looking ahead, the growth of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication and 5G connectivity in cars promises to open up new markets for RF-optimized MLCCs that deliver high-Q stability across broad frequency ranges. It’s pretty interesting, right? These emerging applications give MLCC makers more room to innovate and grab market share. All in all, the automotive MLCC market seems set for sustained expansion. Factors like vehicle electrification, smarter safety systems, miniaturisation, and improving communication tech will keep fueling growth. With ongoing advances in materials and manufacturing, and strategic expansions globally, MLCC suppliers are in a good position to meet the increasing demands of both the aftermarket and original equipment manufacturers (OEM) well into the next decade. Source: Noah Wire Services

Forecasts predict the global forecourt industry will surge from USD 7 billion in 2024 to over USD 316 billion by 2035, driven by EV adoption, energy services, and smart infrastructure innovations.The global forecourt market is on the verge of some serious growth, with forecasts suggesting it will expand from around USD 7.0 billion in 2024 up to a staggering USD 316.7 billion by 2035. That’s a compound annual growth rate (or CAGR) of roughly 37.3%. Honestly, that’s pretty remarkable, isn’t it? This surge is largely driven by the rapid electrification of transportation—especially the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs)—and a noteworthy shift among forecourt operators away from just selling fuel, towards offering a variety of energy services and convenient experiences. Operators in this sector are quickly catching on to the electrification trend, expanding their infrastructure to include EV charging stations. And interestingly enough, these charging points aren't just standalone setups anymore—they’re becoming part of larger service ecosystems. Think food and beverage outlets, wellness services, logistics hubs, car washes, and even spas and salons. This kind of diversification really lines up with what consumers now want—more convenience, one-stop experiences—and it helps operators boost revenue on each visit. Beyond just providing EV charging, forecourts are getting creative with energy storage solutions, like Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology. These advancements let operators play more actively in energy markets—buying electricity when prices are low during off-peak hours, storing it, and then reselling at peak times to make a profit. This ‘power-as-a-service’ approach—well, at least to me—feels like transforming forecourts into grid management hubs. It’s a pretty clever way to tap into new revenue streams while also making operations more resilient. Plus, BESS systems help reduce the risks caused by power outages or grid instability, ensuring that these locations, especially those along busy highways, keep the fast-charging stations, lighting, ventilation, and retail services running smoothly. Highway forecourts stand to benefit a lot from these energy storage devices, given their higher energy demands because of fast charging, lighting, HVAC systems, and retail space needs. Plus, the fact that fleets such as logistics trucks and ride-share vehicles tend to stay for a bit longer provides a perfect opportunity for Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) systems to step in. This creates additional earning options—think demand response and ancillary services—because those batteries can be used to balance the grid during busy times. Fleet operators, surprisingly enough, can also monetize their idle battery capacity during downtime, making for a sort of symbiotic relationship between forecourt managers and fleet companies. Looking at the global picture, North America is expected to lead the growth wave. That’s mainly because of strong EV adoption, supportive government policies, and huge investments into fast-charging infrastructure and digital tech. Forecourt operators are deploying cutting-edge tools like cloud-based management systems, integrated retail platforms, and real-time energy monitoring software—these help optimize everything from pricing and inventory to energy consumption. And interestingly enough, these innovations are giving mid-sized companies the chance to scale regionally, thereby increasing competition and sparking innovation in the process. Of course, North America isn’t alone. Asia Pacific and Europe are also set for significant market expansion. Government subsidies and investments from major energy corporations are pushing forward the transformation of forecourts into smart mobility hubs—places that instead of just dispensing fuel, now incorporate complex energy management systems and offer enhanced customer experiences across the board. While big industry players like GRIDSERVE, MFG, and Shell Recharge are leading these advancements, the market remains pretty competitive. New entrants and tech providers are constantly jockeying for position in this rapidly evolving landscape. For professionals involved in the automotive aftermarket—whether OEMs, logistics firms, or fleet managers—these upcoming trends highlight the importance of forming strategic alliances with energy service providers and forecourt operators. It’s about seizing opportunities related to EV infrastructure, added services, and integrated energy solutions to stay ahead. All in all, the forecourt market is transforming in a major way—driven by electrification, the need for consumer convenience, and innovations in energy. Over the next decade and beyond, it’s clear that these hubs will become more than just places to fill up. They’ll evolve into multi-service centers, leveraging vehicle charging, energy storage, smart grid tech, and diverse customer offerings—all working together to sustain profitability and growth in what’s now a quite competitive, always-changing environment. It’s pretty fascinating, don’t you think? Source: Noah Wire Services

Following its merger with GPS Trackit, Zonar launches Ignition, a comprehensive cloud-native platform designed to streamline fleet operations, enhance safety, and deliver real-time analytics for diverse vehicle types and sizes.Zonar has introduced Zonar Ignition, a cloud-native fleet management platform designed to replace the fragmented, outdated systems that many fleet operators have relied on for years. This launch follows shortly after Zonar's December 2024 merger with GPS Trackit, combining their technologies to create an integrated, all-in-one solution aimed at increasing fleet uptime, reducing operational costs, and enabling more agile responses to logistical challenges. Charles Kriete, Zonar’s CEO, highlighted the platform’s core purpose: “Whether it’s a school bus, sanitation truck, or specialized utility vehicle, fleet managers have long struggled with cumbersome workflows and unreliable data. We saw a pressing need for a faster, smarter, and more dependable system.” According to Zonar, Ignition consolidates their best features and GPS Trackit’s capabilities into a single interface, simplifying decision-making and operational oversight for fleet managers. Zonar Ignition encompasses three main features designed to optimize fleet management. The first, Integration-Ready, supports open API connections and AI modules, allowing seamless integration of Zonar data with third-party systems tailored to specific operational needs. The second, One Screen, Total Control, provides a streamlined dashboard that displays all fleet and third-party data simultaneously, reducing the need to toggle between disparate systems. The third feature, Actionable Insights in Real Time, offers personalized reports and dashboards that monitor key metrics like fuel efficiency, route performance, safety, and vehicle diagnostics—facilitating proactive maintenance and vehicle health management. Building on Zonar’s existing technological suite, Ignition integrates with tools such as EVIR® (Electronic Verified Inspection Reporting) for paperless vehicle inspections, CARB tools to ensure emissions compliance, Z Pass™ for student rider visibility, and Zonar Coach™ for driver safety coaching. This interconnected system enables fleets across various sectors and sizes to meet evolving operational demands while maintaining compliance and safety standards. The platform results from uniting Zonar’s telematics expertise with GPS Trackit’s scalable fleet management technology, delivering enhanced visibility, analytics, and AI-driven insights through the cloud. Industry analysts recognize this as a significant advancement, breaking down traditional silos and fostering a holistic approach to fleet management. One of Ignition’s key advantages is its cloud-native architecture, offering flexibility and scalability according to fleet needs. It features a high-resolution, real-time map—often referred to as a ‘single pane of glass’—that provides an all-encompassing view of vehicle, driver, and asset status. This integrated perspective streamlines operations, minimizes headaches from juggling multiple legacy systems, and enables fleet managers to access accurate data instantly for quicker, informed decision-making. The launch underscores Zonar’s ongoing effort to modernize fleet technology post-merger. Designed to serve a broad spectrum of vehicles and fleet sizes, Ignition embodies the industry’s move toward data-driven, customizable ecosystems. The platform’s ability to blend internal data with third-party inputs via open APIs and AI exemplifies a shift toward smarter, more proactive fleet management. Overall, Zonar Ignition presents itself as a next-generation solution—not merely consolidating telematics and tracking data, but transforming fleet management through real-time analytics, proactive maintenance alerts, and comprehensive compliance tools. As fleet operations become increasingly complex and regulated, solutions like Ignition are vital for operators seeking to optimize efficiency, safety, and regulatory adherence within a unified digital platform. Source: Noah Wire Services