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

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.