by Eric Cohen
Buffalo is no stranger to snow, but a once-in-a-lifetime snowstorm brought the city to its knees. As the December 2022 storm raged for days, dumping four feet of snow and packing winds as high as 70 miles per hour, Jacob Szczygiel hunkered down and ensured everything was safe at home. He had grown up in Buffalo and was used to lots of snow. And he was used to wind. But he had never experienced anything like this – particularly losing power for 36 hours. But his time in the Army helped him prepare and survive the storm.
Jacob always had an interest in electronics, which led to a career as a satellite communications operator. And when he wasn’t deeply involved in electronics, he turned to his second love – cars. “I did an auto mechanic internship in high school and have always enjoyed cars,” Jacob commented. “Although I wanted a Ferrari 308i, one of my favorite cars was my right-hand Mazda RX7.”
Jacob’s interest in cars increasingly expanded as his knowledge of new car technology grew. “I know my next car will be an electric vehicle. Currently, I’m favoring the electric Mini Cooper because it’s small, compact, and can get me where I need to go. Buffalo is a city where you can get everywhere in 20 minutes; I don’t need much more than that.” But why electric?
“It’s important that we become more concerned about our environment and impacts on our climate. Electric vehicles are one way we can make a difference. (And I won’t miss going to the gas station!)”
Beyond simply driving an electric vehicle, Jacob is interested in wireless EV charging. “I had heard about it many years ago, but my interest has surged now that I’m interested in an electric vehicle. I was in the service for many years working with all kinds of electronics. The number of cords and cables is overwhelming. It seems that every time a new device is issued, it’s not compatible with the cables we had. I’m sure millions of cables have ended up in landfills just during my time in the Army. Wireless charging will certainly help to minimize the waste while improving the charging experience.”
Jacob isn’t a first-to-market guy. But that isn’t quashing his enthusiasm for wireless EV charging. “It just makes sense. Look at anything else that used a cord and is now wireless. Also, look at how people with disabilities are forced to charge their vehicles. Wireless charging is so much safer and more convenient.”
And thinking about that storm late last year, “Who wants to stand in the cold, unbury a plug-in charger cord, and charge their vehicle? Wireless charging is a no brainer in bad weather. Particularly since an EV can charge wirelessly through snow and ice.”
“We’re at a crossroads for the environment. We’re also at a crossroad for charging electric vehicles. Wireless is where electric vehicles need to be.”
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