By Ashley Reyes

Battery management systems (BMS) are essential to safe electric vehicle (EV) operation--but did you know they also significantly affect performance and battery life?

Knowing why these systems exist, what they do and how to use them is critical to prevent battery damage and maintain battery life when modifying an EV for increased performance.

During the webinar "Battery Management Systems: Functions and Calibration" on Wednesday, June 7, at 1:00 p.m. PDT, automotive aftermarket engineers and product developers will learn how to utilize and control the battery pack in EVs--including how to control the temperature of the BMS, track the battery's state of charge and balance performance during operation. In addition, attendees will hear from Eddy Borysewicz, CEO and founder of Revolt Systems and an expert in EV conversions, and walk away with a deeper understanding of BMS and the importance of proper battery care.

Borysewicz led his team to power the fastest EV on the planet in 2021, shattering world records at Bonneville for a top speed of 359 mph. Tap into his expertise and register for the webinar here. 

By SEMA Editors

Our sources have captured the '25 Cadillac CT5 with an all-new, "refreshed face" front fascia that includes an updated front grille (no more of the "semi-smiley" aesthetic) and headlights that appear in line with the '24 XT4.

The '25 is expected to offer three engine options: the turbocharged 2.0L, rated at 237 hp and 258 lb.-ft.; the twin-turbo 3.0L V6, with 335 hp and 405 lb.-ft. of torque; and the 6.2L with 668 hp and 659 lb.-ft. of torque in the CT5-V Blackwing.

By SEMA Editors

"The Smoking Tire" podcast--the weekly 90-minute radio show covering the car industry with behind-the-scenes experiences--recently invited SEMA CEO and President Mike Spagnola to sit down with hosts Matt Farah and Zack Klapman. 

"We had a compelling discussion on all things automotive, from industry trends to the explosion of new market segments, including electric vehicle (EV) technology. We also covered topics like how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is impacting the car hobby; how SEMA's Garages are helping small businesses build and test new parts that the California Air Resources Board can approve; and how this year's SEMA Show is bigger and better with the addition of new programs like SEMA Fest," Spagnola told SEMA News.

"The Smoking Tire" podcast episode featuring Spagnola is available on YouTube (below) and on all podcast platforms, including Apple and Spotify.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) invites its members to a virtual general membership meeting on Thursday, June 8, at 10:00 a.m. PDT.  

Taking place online, the meeting will provide updates on events and resources available to help young aftermarket leaders succeed in their careers.

Participants will learn about new volunteer opportunities, discover networking events to get involved in the industry and discover benefits offered exclusively to FLN members.

Aftermarket professionals aged 39 and under who are not current FLN members are encouraged to attend, as the meeting is also a great way to learn about the FLN and the many available resources.

Join fellow FLN members and connect with the FLN select committee on Thursday, June 8. Register here.

By SEMA Editors

In partnership with General Motors, SEMA Garage Detroit has announced an all-new measuring session for the newly designed '23 and '24 Chevrolet and GMC trucks.

The event, June 13-June 15, will allow companies to measure, 3D scan, test-fit prototypes, and have a close-up experience with the trucks.

The session will feature a combination of '23 and '24 Chevrolet and GMC midsize, light-duty and heavy-duty platforms with the most popular options, including different bed, cab and powertrain configurations.

Chevrolet: 

• Colorado Trail Boss 
• Silverado 1500 
• Silverado 2500HD 

GMC: 

• Canyon AT4X Edition 1 
• Sierra 1500 AT4 
• Sierra 3500HD Denali Ultimate Dually

Event Dates: June 13-June 15, 2023

This will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage Detroit, 14655 Jib St., Plymouth, MI 48170. Sessions will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time limited. Please only register two attendees per company, and keep an eye out for a follow-up email to confirm your time slot.

Visit the link below for event registration details.

Click here to register.

By the SEMA D.C. office

Join the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC) for cocktails and late-night snacks following the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala, Friday, July 21 in Anaheim, California. While SEMA provides valuable industry resources and services, the PAC adds a critical dimension to public and government affairs by actively engaging with lawmakers, lobbying for favorable legislation, and safeguarding our future through political involvement. 

By law, SEMA is not allowed to use association funds to impact the electoral process. This is where SEMA PAC comes in. The PAC is a resource allowing SEMA members to pool their personal funds to contribute to candidates and lawmakers supporting our industry.

Interested in the event or have questions? Contact PAC Manager Alicia Steger at alicias@sema.org or 202-796-2252 for more information. Attendance is limited and requires a purchase to attend; RSVP today! 

By the SEMA D.C. Office

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a proposed rule to require automatic emergency braking (AEB) and pedestrian AEB systems on new passenger cars and light trucks weighing up to 10,000 lbs. Once finalized, the rule would be phased in over three years, with an additional year for small-volume manufacturers, final-stage manufacturers and alterers to comply.  

Recognizing its potential to help save lives and reduce injuries, most automakers voluntarily agreed in 2016 to begin installing AEB systems. About 95% of all model-year '23 light-duty cars and trucks have such equipment. The systems use sensors and software to identify dangers and apply brakes if the driver hasn't responded quickly enough or with sufficient braking force.

NHTSA added AEB systems to its five-star New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) starting in model-year '18. The agency is now considering including pedestrian protection in the consumer information program. Under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Congress directed NHTSA to pursue a safety standard for AEB and pedestrian detection. NHTSA's proposed rule would require a vehicle traveling as fast as 62 miles an hour to stop to avoid colliding with a vehicle or pedestrian. Testing conditions would include daylight and darkness with both lower beam and upper beam headlamps activated.

SEMA is reviewing the rule to understand its potential impact on the industry. Comments will be due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By the SEMA D.C. Office

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a proposed rule to require automatic emergency braking (AEB) and pedestrian AEB systems on new passenger cars and light trucks weighing up to 10,000 lbs. Once finalized, the rule would be phased in over three years, with an additional year for small-volume manufacturers, final-stage manufacturers and alterers to comply.  

Recognizing its potential to help save lives and reduce injuries, most automakers voluntarily agreed in 2016 to begin installing AEB systems. About 95% of all model-year '23 light-duty cars and trucks have such equipment. The systems use sensors and software to identify dangers and apply brakes if the driver hasn't responded quickly enough or with sufficient braking force.

NHTSA added AEB systems to its five-star New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) starting in model-year '18. The agency is now considering including pedestrian protection in the consumer information program. Under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Congress directed NHTSA to pursue a safety standard for AEB and pedestrian detection. NHTSA's proposed rule would require a vehicle traveling as fast as 62 miles an hour to stop to avoid colliding with a vehicle or pedestrian. Testing conditions would include daylight and darkness with both lower beam and upper beam headlamps activated.

SEMA is reviewing the rule to understand its potential impact on the industry. Comments will be due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members are invited to a live webinar on Wednesday, June 21, at 11:00 a.m. PDT to connect with the SEMA Market Research team and discuss the "2023 SEMA Market Report." The latest annual study, available for download Thursday, June 15, will give members an in-depth look at market changes from the past year and help them identify the greatest business opportunities in various aftermarket segments.

During the webinar, attendees will be able to ask questions as they learn about the report's critical findings, like how much consumers spent on parts in 2022, how they used the vehicles they modified, how economic and industry factors are affecting the market, new data on market sizing, changes in the vehicle population and relevant trends.

Register for the webinar here and download the report when it becomes available Thursday, June 15, at sema.org/research.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) has named Matt Caldwell as the council's newest spotlight volunteer. Caldwell is the executive director of Tread Lightly!, a non-profit organization that promotes the responsible use of motorized vehicles when recreating outdoors. Get to know Caldwell in his interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry? 

Matt Caldwell: A passion to see so many of the great places that our country has to offer. 

SN: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA?  

MC: The need to continue to expand the need for the off-road community to "do your part" to protect the adventures that we are able to have on public lands. With TORA wanting to focus on that, it was a natural fit. 

SN: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket? 

MC: Use every day as a learning experience. I'm always amazed at how the things, small and large, that I've learned throughout my career continue to benefit me in my current role. 

SN: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? 

MC: Bronco Raptor. I'd love to say you'd find me off-roading in the desert, but most likely, you'd find me out doing a trail project somewhere. 

Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA's social media, SEMA News and future TORA member updates.