Vehicle Electrification: A Practical Guide for Companies Entering the EV Industry

As global regulations tighten and demand for sustainable transport rises, vehicle electrification is no longer just a trend — it’s a business imperative. More companies across automotive, logistics, technology, and mobility sectors are stepping into the electric vehicle (EV) market to stay competitive and relevant.

Whether you’re an OEM, a vehicle brand, a startup, or a tech company exploring new mobility solutions, launching an electric vehicle program involves far more than selecting a motor or battery. Proper preparation is critical to ensure smoother development, faster supplier communication, and a successful product launch.

To help your team get started on the right foot, we’ve created a Vehicle Electrification Preparation Guide that outlines the key considerations, roles, and technical elements you need before engaging with EV system suppliers.

Why Preparation Matters in Vehicle Electrification Projects

Companies often underestimate the system complexity of EVs and the depth of collaboration required with component suppliers. Without a clear understanding of your project goals and technical setup, communication gaps can lead to project delays, mismatched components, or failed pilot builds. Proper preparation helps your company:

  • Clarify your vehicle electrification architecture early
  • Communicate effectively with EV system suppliers
  • Minimize technical misunderstandings
  • Accelerate time to prototype and production
  • Align with compliance and safety standards from the begining

Key Elements for a Successful Vehicle Electrification Project

1. Build a Capable Electrification Team

Even if you’re not a traditional OEM, the following roles form the essential foundation for initiating an EV project:

  • EV System Architect: Defines the overall vehicle architecture, including platform voltage, drive system, battery capacity, and integration strategy.
  • Electrical/High Voltage Engineer: Designs the electrical network, including communication systems, relay protection, and interfaces for high-voltage systems.
  • Software/Control Engineer: Manages the integration of VCU, MCU, and Battery Management Systems (BMS).
  • Mechanical/Layout Engineer: Focuses on the integration of e-axles, motors, and batteries, ensuring efficient layout and thermal management.
  • Project Manager/Procurement: Coordinates the project timeline, supplier engagement, and procurement processes to meet deadlines.
  • Compliance/Safety Engineer: Ensures adherence to industry regulations and safety standards for various markets.

2. Understand the Basics of Vehicle Electrification Architecture

A well-planned system architecture is the foundation of any EV project. Understanding each core system helps ensure better design decisions and component selection. Key components to consider:

Battery System:

  • Voltage platforms: Common standards include 350V / 540V / 800V

  • Rated capacity (Ah): Examples – 105Ah / 280Ah / 304Ah

  • Charge/discharge rates: 1C / 2C / 3C, etc.

  • Energy capacity: Based on driving range goals (e.g., 100 km / 200 km / 300 km)

  • Cooling: Air-cooled or liquid-cooled

  • Installation: Pack dimensions, mounting method, placement

  • Charging protocols: GB/T, CCS2, CCS1, CHAdeMO, etc.

Electric Drive System (e-Axle / Motor)

  • Power & Torque Matching: Output requirements in kW and Nm

  • Speed Ratio / Tire Match: Gear reduction ratio, tire size

  • Mounting Type: Flange, suspension, etc.

  • Differential Options: Mechanical or electronic differential

Control Systems (VCU / MCU / BMS)

  • CAN Communication Architecture

  • Vehicle Control Logic Readiness

  • Fault Diagnostics & Redundancy

  • VCU Development: Whether in-house or needing supplier support

Auxiliary Systems & Supporting Modules

  • OBC (Onboard Charger), DC/DC Converter, PDU (Power Distribution Unit)

  • Auxiliary e-Drive Units: EPS pumps, A/C compressors, water pumps, etc.

Regulatory and Safety Standards

  • IP rating (e.g., IP67, IP69K)

  • EMC requirements

  • UN38.3 transport certification

  • Battery-related regional certifications (E-mark, CE, etc.)

3. What Project Information Should Be Prepared? (Checklist)

To help EV system suppliers provide the most accurate recommendations and solutions, prepare these key items in advance:

  • Company Info: Company name, contact person, contact details, project overview
  • Vehicle Specs: Vehicle type (e.g., light truck, tractor), curb and GVW, top speed, range target, gradeability, etc.
  • Installation Data: Chassis drawing, space for e-axle, preliminary battery layout (CAD)
  • Electrical Plan: Voltage platform (e.g., 540V), existing VCU status, need for supplier control systems
  • Certification Needs: Target countries/regions and relevant standards (E-mark, CE, UN38.3, etc.)
  • Project Timeline: Prototype and test plans, SOP date, estimated procurement volume

4. Standard Engagement Process with EV System Suppliers

To ensure clear communication and efficient progress, we recommend the following three-step process:

Step 1: Initial Project Discussion

Customer provides:

  • Application background (e.g., city logistics, port tractor, mining transport)

  • Target market & required certifications

  • Basic vehicle information (type, curb & gross weight, dimensions)

  • Development schedule: A-sample, B-sample, SOP timeline

Supplier provides:

  • Preliminary system suggestions (e.g., e-axle, battery voltage platform)
  • Relevant case studies and delivery lead times
  • System options list

Step 2: Technical Alignment

Customer prepares:

  • Detailed vehicle specs (axle load, weight, top speed, range, slope grade, operating profile, tire size)

  • Installation diagrams, battery layout, wire harness routing

  • Control logic planning, communication protocols for components (VCU, etc.)

Supplier provides:

  • Component datasheets and technical parameters

  • CAN protocol documentation and control logic suggestions

  • Installation guidelines, remote/onsite support plan

Step 3: Prototype Build & Mass Production Readiness

Customer coordinates:

  • Prototype build schedule, assembly capabilities, motor controller interface

  • Software integration between internal team and supplier

  • Testing and certification resources

Supplier supports with:

  • Prototype delivery, debugging tools, installation manuals

  • Remote debugging or onsite support

  • Software packages and compliance documents

5. Recommended Documentation

To help EV system suppliers provide the most accurate and effective solutions, we recommend including the following information in your inquiry to ensure a clear understanding of your project requirements.

  • Vehicle Specs Sheet:  Dimensions, speed, axle loads, performance targets
  • Drive System Form: Motor/e-axle usage, speed ratio, power target
  • Battery Requirement Form: Range, capacity, voltage platform, cooling method
  • Control System Form: VCU availability, integration requirements
  • Packaging Layout Template: e-axle and battery pack layout drawings

6. What Supplier Capabilities Should You Evaluate?

  • System Selection Support: Preliminary proposals, drawings, CAN docs, remote debugging assistance
  • Project Management Support: Prototype coordination, engineering change handling, customized development (CAN/interface adaptation)
  • Product Portfolio Capability: Complete system offerings: e-axle, motor, battery, VCU, OBC, DC/DC, etc.
  • Global Delivery Experience: Familiar with certification processes, delivery to over 30 countries
  • Training and Documentation: White papers, market insights, technical guides, FAQ documents

Conclusion

Electrification is a complex, cross-disciplinary process that involves system selection, control logic development, mechanical integration, and regulatory compliance. With this guide, we aim to help you build a clear understanding of the key elements, reduce communication barriers, and accelerate your project from concept to production.

Let’s build the future of mobility—together!

Download the Guide

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