Challenges and opportunities for electrifying machines

The switch to electrified off-highway vehicles can help reduce reliance on hydraulic components that decrease system efficiency via parasitic losses.

The off-highway machine industry is embracing new technologies to optimize operations, specifically regarding electric and hybrid off-highway equipment. The electric off-highway equipment market is poised for growth, with an expected 12.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2025-2034, reaching over $17 billion, according to Market Research Future.

These off-highway vehicles operate on tough terrain and require unprecedented amounts of power for long duty cycles. Diesel engines have always been the conventional application for this kind of work, but now hybrid and electric vehicles are starting to gain traction thanks to new innovations and more investment. While the implications of replacing traditional combustion engines with hybrid or electric counterparts can be intimidating, learning the challenges and opportunities each option holds gives end users the power to determine what's right for their needs.