Electrification Project Process

Structured development processes are the foundation of successful electric vehicle and system developments. We accompany OEMs, machine manufacturers, and industrial companies from the initial concept idea to series integration. We rely on clear phases, interdisciplinary engineering, and transparent approval processes.

Holistic

Holistic development of electric vehicle and high-voltage systems

Structured

Structured project processes with clear milestones and approvals

Interdisciplinary

Interdisciplinary engineering across mechanical, electrical, and software domains

Goal-Oriented

Focus on project security, functionality, and production readiness

Structured Development of Complex Vehicle Systems

Structured Development of Complex Vehicle Systems The development of electric commercial vehicles, special-purpose vehicles, and off-highway systems requires clear processes and workflows. High-voltage architectures, power electronics, software, thermodynamics, and mechanical integration must be precisely coordinated across all project phases.

That is why we follow clear development processes aligned with established OEM and product development methodologies, without sacrificing agility. Clear responsibilities, defined milestones, and transparent approvals create visibility, reduce risks, and ensure technical and economic feasibility.

Our Development Phases

The development process is divided into several key project phases. Each phase includes defined engineering activities, technical reviews, and approval gates.

Phase A
Vorstudie und Systemdefinition

Preliminary Study System Definition

Analyze technical feasibility, define requirements, and establish the foundation for a robust system architecture.
Phase B
Systemdesign und Engineering

System Design and Engineering

Interdisciplinary development of electrical, mechanical, and software subsystems.
Phase C
Prototyping und Systemintegration

Prototyping and Integration

Validation of the complete system under real operating and test conditions.
Phase D
Industrialisierung und Serie

Industrialization and Series Production

Transfer of the developed solution into production, certification, and series operation.
Phase A

Preliminary Study System Definition

In the early project phase, requirements, operating conditions, and technical parameters are analyzed. The goal is to define a robust system architecture and identify technical risks and dependencies early on.

Requirements Analysis

Definition of requirements specifications, duty cycles, safety requirements, and regulatory frameworks.

Feasibility Studies

Technical evaluation of architecture variants, technologies, and integration options.

System Concepts

Development of initial vehicle, high-voltage, and system architectures including interface definition.

Project Planning

Definition of development scope, resources, milestones, and validation strategy.

Typical Deliverables

Defined system requirements
Architecture and concept approvals
Technical risk analysis
Project and resource planning
Phase B

System Design Engineering

Based on the defined architecture, interdisciplinary development of all subsystems takes place. Electrical, mechanical, thermodynamic, and software components are developed in parallel and systematically integrated.

Electrical Development

HV/LV architectures, wiring harnesses, safety concepts, power electronics, and energy distribution.

Mechanical and Thermal Development

CAD design, packaging, cooling concepts, structural design, and installation space integration.

Software Development

ECU software, CAN communication, diagnostic functions, and safety logic.

Systems Engineering

Interface management, FMEA, functional modeling, and verification and test planning.

Project and Quality Management

Across all engineering disciplines, continuous project control is maintained through technical reviews, risk analyses, version management, and defined approval processes.

Development with Clear Milestones

Each development phase is secured through defined approvals and technical reviews. This enables early risk detection, reduces integration issues, and ensures transparent documentation of development status.

Phase C

Prototyping and System Integration

In the integration phase, hardware, software, and mechanical systems are validated for the first time as a complete system. The goal is technical validation under real operating conditions.

Prototype Construction

Construction of functional prototypes, development vehicles, and integration platforms.

System Integration

Integration of high-voltage, software, cooling, and control systems into the overall platform.

Validation and Testing

Functional tests, thermal validation, safety inspections, and system verification.

Optimization

Analysis, troubleshooting, and iterative refinement of the complete system.

Typical Test Scope

HV and safety inspections
EMC tests
Thermal tests
Communication and software tests
Test bench and vehicle tests
Phase D

Industrialization and Series Production

After successful validation, SUNCAR supports the transfer of developed systems into production and series operation.

Series Preparation

Optimization of production, assembly, and service processes.

Documentation

Creation of technical documentation, production documents, and service information.

Certification

Support with regulatory requirements, compliance, and approval processes.

Series Support

Support during pilot series, production ramp-up, and technical optimization.

Industrialization Phase Deliverables

Production-ready system solution
Production and assembly documentation
Certification-relevant documentation
Project and resource planning

Structured Processes Create Project Security

Complex development projects require clear workflows, transparent decisions, and traceable technical approvals. That is why we rely on structured development and project processes throughout the entire product lifecycle.
Through systematic planning, continuous risk and change management, and defined milestones, we create maximum transparency and reduce technical and organizational risks.

Defined project and approval processes
Continuous risk and quality management
Traceable documentation
Interdisciplinary development control
Focus on production readiness and long-term maintainability

Success Stories

References

Selected development projects and system solutions in the areas of electric commercial vehicles, off-highway systems, and special-purpose vehicles.

KTEG ZE150W

With the ZE150W, SUNCAR and KTEG have developed an innovative mobile excavator that offers a sustainable and powerful alternative to

eXact – Electrification of the Next-Generation Construction Machine

In the eXact project, ETH, OST, FHNW, and partners developed a fully electric excavator with electric actuators and direct drives.

High-voltage power distribution systems for Rosenbauer

SUNCAR and Rosenbauer jointly developed high-voltage power distribution systems for the fully electric airport fire truck PANTHER electric. The project

BOMAG single-drum roller

SUNCAR and BOMAG set new benchmarks with the electrification of the BW 177e single-drum roller!

Manitowoc Mobile Crane

Manitowoc and SUNCAR presented the GMK5150XLe plug-in hybrid mobile crane at Bauma 2025!

Swiss pioneering work in municipal vehicle engineering

With the MEKG project – Multifunctional Electric Compact Base Vehicle – a fully electric municipal vehicle in the 8-tonne class

SUNCAR has received multiple awards

European Solar Prize 2015

European award for pioneering projects in the field of renewable energy and sustainable energy applications.

Watt d’Or
2020

Award from the Federal Office of Energy for outstanding projects in the field of energy efficiency and innovative energy technologies.

eMove360°
Award 2018

International prize for forward-looking solutions in the areas of electromobility, connected driving, and sustainable mobility.

Here for you

Project Inquiry

Would you like to discuss a development project or need support with electric vehicle and system development? Our team is happy to assist you with reliable processes.

Stefan Schneider

Managing Director

SHALL WE GET STARTED?

Start your electrification project – with a process-reliable partner who understands systems

We develop and integrate systems – from the initial idea to implementation in the machine.

Want to learn even more?

To the References

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