As off-highway vehicles transition to electrified powertrains, thermal management is emerging as a critical enabler of performance, reliability and total cost of ownership. This presentation explores why batteries alone do not define success, examining the thermal challenges posed by real-world off-highway duty cycles, harsh operating environments and constrained packaging. It highlights the need to manage heat across batteries, power electronics, electric motors and operator cabins as an integrated system. Drawing on practical project experience, the presentation discusses common pitfalls, design trade-offs and the value of bespoke, application-led thermal solutions in supporting safe, efficient and scalable electrification.

• Electrification success depends on managing the full thermal system, not just the battery
• Off-highway duty cycles demand thermal solutions beyond automotive assumptions
• Effective thermal control improves efficiency, range, reliability and lifetime cost
• Packaging constraints require bespoke thermal design, not off-the-shelf solutions
• Early thermal collaboration reduces risk and accelerates electrification programs