This is a summary from the webinar of the same title, presented by Mourad Chergui, Senior Product Manager at Delta-Q Technologies (Delta-Q), and Marco Sabatini, Marketing and Sales Director at ZIVAN. Watch the full session here.
Electrification in off-road vehicles, ranging from construction equipment to agricultural machinery, is making significant progress. However, given the diverse range of machine types and power requirements, low-voltage, mid-power machines are benefiting from electrification first. To achieve the greatest return on investment (ROI) for these investments, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) must ensure careful integration of the right charger.
By examining the current state of mid-power charging solutions, engineers equip themselves with the knowledge necessary to develop designs optimized for distinct verticals.
4 Key Webinar Takeaways
ZAPI GROUP offers the industry’s most comprehensive range of charging solutions designed for the rigorous demands of non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) applications. This positions them uniquely to support OEMs in their electrification efforts.
Chergui and Sabatini presented their insights on these offerings in the context of four observations shaping the mid-power charging market.
#1 - Low-Voltage Machinery Unlock New Efficiencies in NRMM
Chergui began the webinar by defining low-voltage as 24 V to 96 V, and mid-power as 2 kW to 20 kW,. These ranges are historically reserved for smaller machinery. Older, bulkier designs, such as those powered by lead-acid batteries, lacked the flexibility and power density for more intensive NRMM applications.
This changed with the advent of lithium battery technology.
To accommodate this evolution, Chergui emphasized the value of designing machinery with electrification in mind from the outset. Instead of retrofitting combustion engine models, a forward-thinking approach enables the development of drivetrains optimized for specific operational needs.
The benefits of such designs compound with the natural strengths of low-voltage machinery (and the advantages of electrification in general), resulting in drivetrains that are:
- Simpler and more cost-effective
- Safer and more comfortable for operators
- Environmentally friendly and meet sustainability objectives
- Flexible and scalable to their intended application
#2 - Electrified NRMM Needs the Right Charging Solution
Mid-power machines in the 2 to 20 kW range present distinct challenges for charging solutions, Chergui explained. Chargers in these applications must be compact, rugged, and reliable—delivering high performance regardless of operating environment.
These requirements grow increasingly complex when factoring in application-specific questions, such as:
- Should the charger integrate into the machinery, or remain a standalone unit?
- Will the equipment rely on existing EV charging infrastructure, or residential outlets?
- Can the charger function immediately, or does it require customization?
Compliance further shapes these considerations. OEMs serving global markets must navigate a web of local and government regulations, demanding chargers that meet diverse and stringent standards.
#3 - ZAPI GROUP Charging Solutions Tailored for NRMM
Sabatini responded to these points with an overview of ZAPI GROUP charging solutions offered under the ZIVAN and Delta-Q brands.
Leveraging their understanding of the challenges OEMs face when electrifying, the ZAPI GROUP portfolio comprises two primary types of charging solutions:
- On-board chargers – ZAPI GROUP’s area of expertise. These chargers are designed with intuitive machine-user interfaces, full communication with the vehicle master controller and offer a wide range of connection compatibility.
- Portable chargers – Mobile and rugged, these chargers withstand the harsh environments of NRMM applications while remaining light enough to maneuver across worksites that otherwise lack charging infrastructure.
Sabatini also highlighted ZAPI GROUP’s expertise in stationary chargers. Acting in an advisory role, the team conducts comprehensive evaluations of OEM requirements to identify optimal solutions.
#4 - OEMs Stand to Benefit from ZAPI GROUP’s Charging Solutions
Chergui and Sabatini rotated chairmanship to explain the many OEM benefits of partnering with ZAPI GROUP.
Backed by decades of experience, every charging solution in ZAPI GROUP’s portfolio is:
- Compact and fully sealed, with IP66, IP67- or IP55-rated protection against dust and water
- Rugged and reliable, tested for mechanical shock, drop, and vibration fatigue
- Compatible across battery chemistries and communication protocols
- Capable of charging data capture for iterative testing or fleet performance assessments
According to Sabatini, ZAPI GROUP operates on a unique consultation methodology—backing every promise with proven testing methods and internationally recognized certifications.
Charging Solutions in NRRM: Final Thoughts From the Webinar
In closing, Sabatini and Chergui reiterated the challenges and benefits of electrifying low-voltage NRMM. To keep pace, OEMs need solutions tailored to the application, from ruggedized on-board chargers to high-powered portable ones.
With an industry-leading portfolio and commitment to collaboration and sustainability, ZAPI GROUP companies, ZIVAN and Delta-Q, are uniquely positioned to ensure OEMs receive the ideal charging solution for their industry vertical—and the expertise to see it integrated.
Watch the full webinar to learn more, or consult a ZAPI GROUP charging expert to find the right charging solution for your application.