Overcoming Challenges in Electrification and Disruptive Technologies

In today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, disruptive technologies like electrification are transforming markets. (Think automotive, HVAC, and lawn and garden equipment.) As manufacturers race to adopt electric solutions, a key question emerges: Can you partially implement a disruptive technology like electrification, or does true innovation demand a complete design overhaul?

At Horizon Technology, we partner with companies across industries to integrate electrification into their products. One common pitfall we notice is the “drop-in” approach—swapping an internal combustion engine or motor with an electric version. While this might seem like a quick fix, it often leads to inefficiencies, higher costs, and missed chances for groundbreaking innovation.

Why Partial Implementation Falls Short in Electric Motor Design

Retrofitting electrification into legacy systems sounds appealing, but it comes with challenges:

• Efficiency losses: Electrification promises optimized torque and energy savings. Yet, when paired with outdated designs, these benefits diminish.
• Integration hurdles: Traditional powertrains, cooling systems, and linkages weren’t built for electric motors. A simple swap can create reliability issues and unexpected expenses.
• Wasted space and weight potential: Electric motors and power electronics can shrink designs and cut weight—but only if the system evolves beyond old constraints.
• Market risks: Customers want more than an electrified clone of an existing product. Superior performance, durability, and innovative features drive adoption.

A partial approach might get you to market faster, but it sacrifices the full potential of electrification.

The Power of a System-Level Approach to Electrification

To unlock the true value of disruptive technologies, manufacturers need a system-level approach. Here’s how Horizon Technology helps:

• Redesigning motors and components: Legacy designs work, but new materials and architectures optimize electric powertrains for peak performance.
• Reimagining mechanical systems: Innovations like wheel hub motors entirely rethink linkages, allowing gearboxes, cooling, and control electronics to evolve for electrification.
• Using soft magnetic composites (SMCs): SMCs enhance electromagnetic efficiency, delivering compact, high performance motors with minimal losses.
• Building for the future: Modular, scalable designs ensure adaptability and set products apart in competitive markets.

This holistic strategy turns electrification into a game-changer, not just an upgrade.

Full Innovation Wins in Disruptive Technologies

The future belongs to companies that embrace a clean-sheet approach to electrification. Partial implementation initially might seem cost effective, but it often leads to inefficiencies, higher long-term costs, and weaker market positioning. At Horizon Technology, we’re guiding motor manufacturers through this shift with advanced electric motor solutions, materials expertise, and full-system optimization. Ready to lead your industry with cutting-edge electrification?

Start Your Electrification Journey Today

Rethinking your design approach for electrification doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Learn more about how our solutions can power your next innovation.