Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief
Plus: Walmart equips its chargers with 400 kW power capability
Created for NPkvdejmf6@niepodam.pl | Web Version
 
August 28, 2026
 
 
Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief
News covering the consumer technology industrySIGN UP ⋅   SHARE
 
Today's Digital Pulse
 
Volvo updates EVs with real-time safety alerts
 
A new electric car model EX60 of Swedish Volvo carmeker is seen during the global launch at an event in Stockholm, Sweden on January 21, 2026. (Photo by Anders WIKLUND / TT NEWS AGENCY / AFP via Getty Images) / Sweden OUT
Volvo EX60 (Anders Wiklund/Getty Images)
Volvo has introduced a free over-the-air update for its higher-end electric vehicles, adding real-time safety alerts and spatial audio. The update leverages connected car technology to share hazard warnings, such as large animals or roadwork, using the European Data for Road Safety ecosystem. The update is available for models including the EX60 and EX90 in Europe and North America.
Full Story: MSN (8/27)
share-text
 
The next wave of convergence growth
New research shows just 22% of consumers bundle home internet and wireless today, yet 41% of nonbundlers are open to it. Hear Assurant, Xfinity, and Spectrum explore what it takes to close the gap and build lasting customer relationships. Register now.
ADVERTISEMENT 
 
 
 
 
Smart Home
 
No driveway? Voltpost has an EV charger for you
Voltpost has introduced two Level 2 electric vehicle chargers designed for easy retrofitting, aimed at benefiting apartment dwellers who lack driveways. The Air Ceiling Mount is designed for parking garages, while the Air Surface Mount attaches to walls and pedestals, cutting installation costs by up to 70% by utilizing existing infrastructure.
Full Story: InsideEVs (8/26)
share-text
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vehicle Tech
 
Hyundai to debut Santa Fe extended-range EV in 2027
 
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - JANUARY 09: Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid crossover suv extended-range electric vehicle on display at the AutoSalon press preview on January 09, 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. The 102nd Brussels Motor Show has firmly established itself on the international calendar, featuring over 60 car brands and more than 20 motorcycle brands, and visited by over 270,000 people. (Photo by Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images)
Hyundai Santa Fe extended-range electric vehicle (Sjoerd Van Der Wal/Getty Images)
Hyundai is planning to launch 58 new or refreshed models in North America by 2030, including the Santa Fe extended-range electric vehicle, which will offer more than 600 miles of range. The Santa Fe EREV will be manufactured in Alabama and debut in 2027. Hyundai also plans to deliver Ioniq 5 robotaxis to Waymo by the end of the year and use high-nickel battery cells in its EREV vehicles, which the automaker says will cut charging times by 40%.
Full Story: InsideEVs (8/26), CarBuzz (8/26)
share-text
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Featured Content
 
Sponsored Content from Netline
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tech News
 
Speedo's swim tracker dives into breathing, stroke analysis
Speedo has introduced SpeedoIQ, a removable swim-tracking module for its Vanquisher goggles that provides real-time data on pace, distance, breathing, head position and stroke analysis. The device has been approved by World Aquatics for competition and does not require a subscription.
Full Story: Engadget (8/27)
share-text
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail Trends
 
Walmart equips its chargers with 400 kW power capability
 
Walmart equips its chargers with 400 kW power capability
Walmart’s 100th company-owned and operated electric vehicle fast-charging site recently opened at a store in Monument, Colo. (Walmart)
Walmart has opened its 100th company-owned fast-charging site for electric vehicles, with chargers capable of delivering 400 kilowatts of power. With rare exceptions, such as the Lucid Gravity, most EVs in the US can only charge up to 350 kW, though that is expected to change with the next generation of EVs. The retailer has installed chargers across 20 states in less than two years and plans further expansion.
Full Story: Autoblog (8/24)
share-text
 
Survey: Gen Alpha teens prioritize style, driving experience
Generation Alpha shows a strong preference for cars that offer an emotional connection and a compelling driving experience, per a CarMax survey, in contrast to Generation Z and millenni