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Industry Perspectives on Electrifying Heavy Equipment: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities

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  • Keith Pate

    (School of Engineering Technology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA)

  • Farid El Breidi

    (School of Engineering Technology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA)

  • Tawfiq Salem

    (Department of Computer and Information Technology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA)

  • John Lumkes

    (Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA)

Abstract

With rising urgency around carbon emissions and climate change, electrification has emerged as a central focus in traditionally combustion-reliant industries. With increasing regulatory restrictions on automotive and smaller off-highway markets (<25 hp), the heavy equipment industry faces growing pressures to adopt hybrid and fully electric solutions. Current literature primarily addresses technical electrification challenges, leaving a gap in understanding industry perspectives. This study explores trends, challenges, and expectations of electrification from industry representatives’ viewpoints, using data from 84 surveys conducted at the CONEXPO/CONAGG trade show and sentiment analysis of 100 interview notes gathered through an NSF Innovation Corps workshop. Results indicate substantial uncertainty toward electrification, with key limitations including power-to-weight ratios, high costs, maintenance, leakage concerns, and reliability of electronic components. The majority (77%) preferred traditional hydraulic systems due to familiarity and reliability, though concerns over maintenance and environmental impact remain prevalent. Participants anticipate a gradual industry transition, projecting widespread adoption of hybrid solutions in 10–15 years and longer timelines for fully electric systems. Effective adoption of greener technologies is likely through industry-wide standards and financial incentives. This study emphasizes the industry’s cautious yet gradually increasing openness to electrification amidst persistent technological and economic challenges.

Suggested Citation

  • Keith Pate & Farid El Breidi & Tawfiq Salem & John Lumkes, 2025. "Industry Perspectives on Electrifying Heavy Equipment: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-18, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:11:p:2806-:d:1666264
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Israa Azzam & Keith Pate & Jose Garcia-Bravo & Farid Breidi, 2022. "Energy Savings in Hydraulic Hybrid Transmissions through Digital Hydraulics Technology," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-24, February.
    2. Antti Lajunen & Panu Sainio & Lasse Laurila & Jenni Pippuri-Mäkeläinen & Kari Tammi, 2018. "Overview of Powertrain Electrification and Future Scenarios for Non-Road Mobile Machinery," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-22, May.
    3. Liu, Zongwei & Hao, Han & Cheng, Xiang & Zhao, Fuquan, 2018. "Critical issues of energy efficient and new energy vehicles development in China," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 92-97.
    4. Jakub Milan Hradecký & Antonín Bubák & Martin Dub, 2022. "Evaluation Methodology of Rotary Flow Dividers Used as Pressure Intensifiers with Creation of a New Pressure Multiplying Efficiency," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-14, March.
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