From Vision to Reality: The Evolution of The Future of Electrification Conference

Since its start, The Future of Electrification virtual conference has grown from a bold idea into a global forum for the industrial and commercial vehicle sectors. As we head into our fifth year, we asked Claes Avasjo, Executive Director of ZAPI GROUP, to look back at how it began, how the conversation has changed, and why this year matters.

Q: How did "The Future of Electrification" start?

A: We launched the first event in 2022, when the world was still dealing with COVID-19. In-person trade shows were limited, and many professionals were avoiding travel and large gatherings. We saw a clear gap. The automotive world had plenty of places to connect, but "hard-to-abate" sectors like construction, material handling, and agriculture needed a safe way to collaborate. So we brought the expertise directly to engineers at their desks. Our first keynote, Saul Griffith (author of Electrify), set the tone by challenging us to see electrification as an "optimist's playbook" for the planet. That first year proved the industry did not just want to talk; it wanted to build.

Q: How did the conference narrative shift in subsequent years?

A: Each year's keynote speakers have tracked how the industry moved from theory to real work:

• 2023: Under the theme "The Race to Sustainability," we featured Alex Edmans from London Business School. He connected engineering and finance by talking about the "ROI of Sustainability."
• 2024: For "The All-Electric Dream," futurist Stefan Hyttfors discussed electrification as a catalyst for a new era.
• 2025: Last year's theme, "Innovating for Change," brought in innovation expert Paulina Modlitba and Dr. Giorgio Rizzoni. The focus shifted from "can we do this?" to "how do we scale this across global fleets?"
  

Q: 2026 is the fifth year. What is the theme this time?

A: Our 2026 theme is "From Hype to Reality." We have surpassed 6,000 past attendees, and this year focuses on the nuts and bolts of implementation. The Future of Electrification 2026 will focus on real strategies and real challenges, featuring 22+ expert-led sessions from organizations like CNH, Panasonic Energy, Briggs and Stratton, Danfoss Editron, Volvo CE, Flash Battery, and Flux Power.

Our keynotes, Dr. Michelle Dickinson and Javier Migulez, will focus on practical uses of AI and automation in electrification. We are looking at how these technologies are making electric machines smarter and more efficient than their diesel predecessors.

Q: What is new for attendees this year?

A: Beyond the expanded lineup, we are now offering certificates of attendance for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits for live attendees.

These certificates will be available in the conference virtual hub after the event. To qualify, an attendee needs to view a session for at least 75% of its broadcast time. It's a simple way to receive official credit for the technical learning that happens during the event.

Q: With such high-profile speakers, is there a cost to join?

A: This is the best part. The Future of Electrification is completely free to attend. ZAPI GROUP is committed to moving the industry forward, and we believe the best way to do that is to remove barriers to high-quality information. Whether you are a student, an independent engineer, or the CTO of a major OEM, you can get a front-row seat to these insights at no cost.

Q: For someone on the fence, why should they prioritize this event?

A: It's rare to find this much engineering depth in one place. You get a full view, from battery cells (Panasonic Energy) to the drivetrain (Danfoss Editron) to the final vehicle (Volvo CE and CNH). You'll leave with a practical roadmap for the next 24 months of your electrification journey. Also, with fast-changing geopolitical conditions, the topic of electrification is becoming even more urgent.

Q: How can people register?

A: Registration is open now at www.futureofelectrification.org. We hope you can join us live on April 21 to 22 to engage with the speakers, network with peers, and earn your CPD credits!