Insights from Benny Forsman, North American Business Development Director, ZAPI GROUP
Electrification is no longer a distant goal—it’s happening now. Benny Forsman, North American Business Development Director at ZAPI GROUP, shared his expertise at the Future of Electrification 2025, offering a roadmap for OEMs navigating this shift. With over 20 years of experience, Forsman provided actionable insights to overcome challenges and seize opportunities in electrification.
Electrification across industries
Forsman began by outlining the current state of electrification across three key sectors:
- Industrial vehicles: Forklifts lead the way, with the majority already electric.
- On-highway vehicles: Adoption is gaining momentum but hasn’t reached full maturity.
- Off-highway vehicles: Still in early adoption, with significant developments expected in the coming years.
While progress varies, he emphasized that electrification is inevitable, driven by cost savings, regulatory pressures, and technological advancements.
Lessons from the material handling industry
The forklift industry offers valuable lessons for other sectors. Over the past decade, Europe has seen a significant shift, with two-thirds of forklifts now electric. The Americas have experienced slower growth, but recent years have shown accelerated adoption. Key drivers include:
- Lower operating costs: Electric forklifts require less maintenance and have higher uptime.
- Ease of use: Simplified training for operators and improved operator comfort.
- Regulatory push: Policies like California’s upcoming ban on IC forklifts.
However, challenges remain, such as higher upfront costs and the need for robust charging infrastructure.
Dos and don’ts of electrification
Do:
- Develop a comprehensive plan addressing market needs and technical specifications.
- Engage suppliers early to ensure scalability and longevity.
- Optimize the entire system rather than focusing on individual components.
- Electrify for the sake of it without clear objectives.
- Overlook the importance of proper motor tuning and system integration.
- Treat components as commodities; choose long-term partners for better support and innovation.
Case studies: Successes and challenges
Forsman illustrated his points with real-world examples:
- Success: A boom lift optimized its hydraulic system to maximize battery performance, resulting in exceptional efficiency.
- Challenge: A pushback tractor underperformed due to battery limitations, highlighting the need for realistic expectations and thorough testing.
Key takeaways
- Plan thoroughly: Understand market needs and develop detailed specifications.
- Optimize systems: Focus on the integration of components for better performance.
- Leverage ecosystems: Utilize mature technologies and established partnerships.
Electrification is a complex but rewarding journey. By following Forsman’s roadmap, OEMs can navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities in this transformative era.
To learn more, watch the full session here: