by understanding the realities of a given application. Ideally, OEMs will collect and leverage real-world deployment data to guide these determinations. Real-world duty cycles and environments are commonly more demanding than initially expected, and datasheet specifications aren’ t sufficient.
OEMs must develop a foundational understanding of every product regarding:
Who will use the machine – Does a normal duty cycle last the operator’ s full, eight-hour shift, or will the equipment be used intermittently and as needed? As autonomous off-highway equipment and AI continue advancing, some applications will need to ask whether an operator is needed at all.
How the machine will be used – Will the equipment be operated indoors, outdoors or both? Will the environment require improved temperature-regulation capabilities or protection against dust or liquid ingress?
Where the machine will be charged – Does on-site infrastructure support regular charging? How long will a full charge take? Will opportunity charging and an on-board charger be required? Will fast charging and electric vehicle supply equipment( EVSE) be needed?
What customers are willing to pay – Although the vast majority of applications can now be electrified, the costs might make the vehicle or equipment prohibitively expensive, particularly when using certain battery chemistries. The balancing act between performance and price requires considering tradeoffs.
OEMs’ evaluation of these factors will help determine whether electrification is the right solution for a given application. If OEMs can deliver the necessary performance at prices customers will pay, the answer is most likely yes.
Better Customer Experience and Value
The maturation of the electrification industry demonstrates that operators understand how crucial TCO and ROI are compared to sticker prices. Generally, electric platforms will be more expensive up front, but OEMs can still incentivize purchases by significantly improving customer experiences and lowering or eliminating ongoing costs.
Consider how electrification can provide fleets with the following customer experience improvements:
Lower maintenance – Minimizing the number of systems and components that require maintenance improves vehicle uptime, and fleets substantially reduce replacement and servicing costs. Telematics data and sensors reduce costs further via predictive maintenance.
Reduced operating costs – Fuel costs continue to fluctuate significantly, mostly increasing. The fuel consumption and regular maintenance needed to operate ICE vehicles add up very quickly.
Improved operator comfort – Electric platforms won’ t generate the same amount of vibration as an ICE vehicle. The long-term exposure to vibration can contribute“ to a number of circulatory, bowel, respiratory, muscular and back disorders.”
Quieter operation – The considerable noise generated by ICE vehicles impacts workers’ hearing and creates a safety hazard. Affecting the broader community as well, loud noise has been linked to“ sleep disturbance, learning, hypertension and heart disease.”
Better productivity – The uptime improvements delivered by electric vehicles and equipment will keep operations running longer and more consistently. Fleet managers can ensure that vehicles and equipment allocated are fit for use.
The goal isn’ t simply to build an electric version of an existing machine; it’ s to build a machine customers see as the better choice for their application.
Building the Right System OEMs must start from real-world duty cycle data or by developing a deep familiarity with the application’ s actual operating conditions. The next steps involve purpose-built engineering and collaborative integrations to optimize performance.
Crucially, performance optimization requires OEMs to think in terms of system integrations rather than individual components. The complete electrical system should be regarded holistically, with its various systems and components integrated with one another. For example, the battery, motor, controller and charger should be selected and sized based on how they work together. Integrated systems also improve logistics and manufacturing capabilities when some components arrive integrated and ready for install.
Common development mistakes to avoid include designing around singular components, oversizing components and setting unrealistic performance targets. In particular, singular components may prove incompatible and oversized components become unnecessarily costly as manufacturing scales.
When OEMs collaborate with their suppliers early in the design process, those partners can provide their expertise to optimize performance, balance costs with acceptable trade-offs and avoid common mistakes. Early collaboration also minimizes the risk of costly redesigns. The most successful OEMs think beyond launch, selecting partners and technologies that can support the product throughout its lifecycle, reducing risk as the market continues to evolve.
Where the Industry is Headed While electrification continues to move forward, the maturing industry is becoming more deliberate and purposeful with solutions. Rather than asking,“ Can we electrify?” or,“ How quickly can we electrify?”, market-leading OEMs and customers that maximize ROI now ask,“ Where does electrification create the most value?”
For OEMs, that answer always starts with a thorough understanding of the application and putting planning before designing. Long-term success also relies on collaborating with experienced suppliers early in the process to further optimize vehicle systems and deliver measurable value to customers.
The OEMs that succeed won’ t necessarily be the first to electrify every machine; they’ ll be those that make the right electrification decisions for the right applications.
Fall 2026 | Telecom & Utility Construction 15