Building machines that deliver real value
CONSTRUCTION- JOBSITE ELECTRIFICATION
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The Next Phase of Jobsite Electrification
Building machines that deliver real value
By Benny Forsman, business development director at ZAPI GROUP North America
Despite uncertain market conditions, electrification continues to advance across construction equipment as performance capabilities improve and the industry matures. The changes in electrification conversations over the past few years demonstrate this maturation, shifting from aspirational discussions centered on how quickly equipment could be electrified to more pragmatic concerns.
In today’ s conversations, original equipment manufacturers( OEMs) and customers evaluate applications and platforms by considering where electrification makes sense, how equipment will be used and what value it actually delivers. These questions reinforce the industry’ s long-term progress and deliver better returns on investment( ROI) regardless of an individual appli-
Telecom & Utility Construction | Fall 2026 cation’ s adoption rate.
This next phase of electrification isn’ t about moving faster; it’ s about making smarter decisions throughout the development process. With the right strategy and decision-making, OEMs will position their electric platforms as common-sense solutions compared to legacy vehicles and equipment still powered by internal combustion engines( ICE).
Beyond the Initial Wave of Electrification
Myriad factors affect the rate of electrification across off-highway applications, such as power output requirements, consistent access to charging infrastructure and operating environments. Even though early industry hype has cooled, adoption of electric platforms continues to increase.
The material handling industry demonstrates how the adoption of electric platforms evolves with time, but it always depends on cost and capabilities. Despite changing economic conditions, material handling operations continue to electrify their lift truck and forklift fleets because doing so lowers the total cost of ownership( TCO) and increases ROI. Economic incentives have driven forklift electrification rates up to 70 % globally, and Europe has even reached 90 %.
As the initial wave of electrification calms, OEMs and customers approach electric vehicles and equipment with more realistic expectations. Rather than asking whether electric machines can replace everything, customers are evaluating where these solutions fit best within their operations. For example, fluctuating fuel costs and exhaust-related health concerns make electric platforms an obvious choice for indoor material handling operations. Alternatively, construction operations might determine that investing in electric aerial lifts, compact equipment and skid steers makes sense, while other high-horsepower, heavy-duty machines remain powered by ICE or hybrid systems.
This shift from hype to realism signals a healthier, more mature electrification market, where purchasing decisions are increasingly driven by operational needs rather than by excitement of new technology.
Questions to Ask Before Designing an Electric Machine
Decisions on whether to electrify vehicles and equipment necessitate a thorough review of anticipated duty cycles, application environments and what price customers will pay. These days, electrifying a platform simply because competitors are doing so or to generate aspirational hype will likely result in costly failure.
Rather than asking,“ Can this platform be electrified?”, OEMs need to ask,“ Does electrification make this platform better?”
Understanding Duty Cycles and Application Requirements
Design and engineering must begin