Architecting Efficiency: Battery, Hybrid, and Electrohydraulic Systems

Eric Lanke hosts Philippe Reynolds, director of Poclain Hydraulics' Electromobility program, in an NFPA Fluid Power Forum episode tied to the NFPA whitepaper "Energy Efficiency Gains from Electrified Hydraulics." Reynolds explains Poclain's shift from component supplier to system partner integrating hydraulics, electric drives, power electronics, sensors, and software into mechatronic solutions, including electric drive units like the eWheel for compact equipment.

He outlines electrification challenges—system complexity, energy and thermal management, architecture selection (battery electric, hybrid electrohydraulic with energy recovery, and series hybrid for heavier machines), and the need for decentralized power-on-demand designs to boost efficiency. The discussion highlights duty-cycle-based sizing, liquid cooling to control operating conditions, lessons adapted from automotive and other industries, and the growing importance of functional safety, compliance, plug-and-play integration, and supplier–OEM partnerships.

Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.

Be sure to check out the full report here.

Connect with our host, Eric Lanke, at [email protected].

Connect with our guest, Philippe Reynolds, at [email protected].

Find and share more interesting fluid power technologies and unique applications using #onlyfluidpowercan and follow podcast and other fluid power industry-related updates at @TheNFPA.

#FluidPowerForum #EnergyEfficiency #Electrification #SystemArchitectures