The New York International Auto Show 2026 Mobility Grid Summit focuses on the convergence of Autonomous Driving (AI/AV) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) / Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), recognizing that the future car is not just a vehicle but a node in the electrical grid.
Key Content Pillars
- AI & AV Safety/Regulation: Addressing the complex regulatory and ethical hurdles for Level 4/5 autonomy.
- BESS Integration & V2G: The economic models and infrastructure requirements for turning millions of EVs into mobile power banks.
- Supply Chain Resiliency: Securing critical minerals and semiconductor components for a high-demand, electrified future.
2. Event Structure (April 10-11, 2026)
The summit will take place immediately preceding the public opening of the NYIAS, utilizing the quieter Press & Industry Preview days for exclusive access.
2.1. The Future is Now: Kid-Friendly Explanation (Ages 12-17)
The fancy name for the event means we're talking about the two coolest car technologies coming soon: super-smart, self-driving cars and electric cars that can power your house!
What the Executives are Talking About (The Fun Version):
- Super Smart Cars & Robot Drivers (AI/AV): It's not just about the car driving itself. It's about how governments make rules for robot drivers (like traffic laws for computers) and making sure they are perfectly safe. Imagine your car taking you anywhere safely!
- The Car is a Giant Battery (V2G / BESS): Electric cars have massive batteries. The big question is: Can they give power back to your house or the electric company when you don't need it? This technology turns millions of parked cars into mobile power stations, helping keep the lights on during storms.
- Finding the Rare Stuff: Every phone, computer, and EV battery needs special minerals. This topic is all about making sure we can find and reuse those materials so we never run out of the components needed to build the future of tech.
2.2. Executive Event Structure (April 10-11, 2026)
The summit will take place immediately preceding the public opening of the NYIAS, utilizing the quieter Press & Industry Preview days for exclusive access.
Day 1: The Executive Forum (Private Suites & Rooftop)
- Morning (10:30 AM - 12:00 PM): Keynote & Policy: High-level discussions featuring government officials (DOE, DOT), major OEM CEOs, and venture capital leaders on macro trends and investment strategies in mobility.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM): Focused Networking: Curated seating to ensure executives meet relevant peers (e.g., matching BESS developers with OEM charging infrastructure VPs).
- Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM): Technical Tracks: Two parallel tracks—one focused on advanced AI/sensor fusion for autonomous systems, and one focused on solid-state battery technology and stationary BESS deployment strategies.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Private Reception: Rooftop terrace reception with exclusive C-Suite meet-and-greets.
Day 2: Exclusive Demo & Auto Show Immersion
- Morning (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM): NYIAS Private Access: Dedicated, quiet access to the NYIAS show floor before general industry guests arrive, allowing one-on-one meetings at OEM stands without crowds.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Dedicated EV/AV Demo Track: A closed-circuit area (e.g., a dedicated part of the Javits basement or exterior space) for executives to experience new AV software releases and BESS-enabled power management prototypes.
- Closing (1:00 PM): Executive Luncheon & Summary: A final networking lunch with actionable takeaways, white papers distributed to attendees, and registration for the 2027 summit.
