Electric System Design at TVH: electrification is the future

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For more than 50 years, TVH has been a global parts distributor for off-highway machinery. This includes forklifts, mini-excavators, scrubbers, wheel loaders, and many more. Known for its strong supply chain, TVH has a global reach with local support and storage across its 90 branches worldwide.

At TVH, the Electronics Department has over 30 years of technical expertise in the repair and remanufacturing of electronics, including electric motors and controllers, as well as developing and upgrading software. The R&D department develops functional test equipment and conducts performance and durability testing.

“Over time, TVH expanded its services, introducing Electric System Design. As a system integrator, we have both the technical expertise and the means to support customers developing electrical machines or converting combustion engines to electric powertrains in existing equipment,” explains Thomas Dhaenens, the engineer responsible for Electric Systems Design at TVH.

At TVH, Electric System Design is a unique combination of strengths. “We have the technical skills and knowledge to support the customer in software development. Additionally, our immense storage capabilities ensure immediate availability of the necessary components. Last but not least, we have the mindset to act quickly in response to a customer’s request.”

Making it easy for the customer
“This allows us to create personalized standardizations. Thanks to our close collaboration with key suppliers, we can offer a standardized range of high-quality products, such as battery systems, controllers, and electric motors, at reasonable prices.”

This way of working is a perfect fit for high-mix, low-volume OEM customers who require extensive prototyping. With TVH, they don’t need to meet minimum order quantities or wait for customized components. “We can offer off-the-shelf parts for their prototyping. In addition, GemOne telematics tracks the prototype’s real-time performance for future optimization. As a result, our standardization drastically reduces time-to-market for our customers.”

“Once a customer starts production of its electrified equipment, we create a unique reference number for them. When they order with us through that reference, a process is put into motion behind the scenes: this includes assembling the electric motors, installing software on the controllers, and creating tailor-made wiring. In other words, the customer gets a personalized, plug-and-play kit.”

Innovation as part of our DNA
TVH is continuously investing in R&D to develop future-proof solutions that help both our current and future customers. “Electric system design is no exception; for instance, with the integration of swappable battery packs and the possibilities of wireless and public EV charging. This mindset puts us in contact with Flanders Make, a Belgian innovation center that supports us with its testing and certification infrastructure while continuing to invest in research and development.”

A representative of the innovation center also gave a keynote speech at TVH’s Electric System Design Event, alongside representatives from VLAIO (Flanders Innovation and Entrepreneurship) and De Groene Koers (a sector platform for construction and infrastructure in the Netherlands).

The successful event included a guided tour, where visitors could witness our Electric System Design process first-hand, from prototyping to production. TVH welcomed machine manufacturers and engineers from the Benelux region, as well as key suppliers who presented their newest technologies.

Check our website for more information on Electric System Design: www.tvh.com/services/electric-system-design.