Fluid Power Plays Important Role in Electrification

Chris Griffin of Parker Hannifin and Eric Vives from Poclain Hydraulics discuss the important role fluid power systems will continue to play in the transition to electrification.

Sara Jensen

Dec. 17, 2025

2 min read

Key Highlights

Fluid power industry experts from Parker Hannifin and Poclain Hydraulics say hydraulics and pneumatics will remain vital to the functionality of heavy-duty mobile equipment and vehicles as they transition to electrified powertrains.
Several design considerations, such as improving the efficiency of hydraulics, will be necessary to ensure fluid power systems meet the performance requirements of electric vehicles and machines.
Challenges related to regulations, functional safety and efficient system designs will be necessary to address as electrification progresses in various applications.

Batteries, electric motors and other components are what typically come to mind when thinking of electric vehicles. However, more traditional systems such as hydraulics and pneumatics will still be required in many applications due to their importance to various machine and vehicle functions.

In this webinar which originally aired on March 27, 2025, experts from the fluid power industry offer their insights on the role the industry is playing in the development of electric vehicles and machines. They discuss how expertise in hydraulics and pneumatics can benefit the transition to electrification as well as the ongoing role these technologies will play as this trend continues to progress.

Panelists featured in this webinar are:

Chris Griffin, Group Business Development Manager – Electrification, Parker Hannifin — Griffin has an extensive background in motion control technologies, having dedicated 30 years to Parker Hannifin. Currently, he leads the development and execution of the global electrification strategy for Parker Hannifin’s Motion Systems Group, with a focus on advancing electrification in off-road machinery and on-road commercial vehicles. This involves the application of technologies like motors, inverters, controls, and electrified pumps to enhance vehicle systems.
Eric Vives, Group Research and Technology Director, Poclain Hydraulics — Vives graduated from Ecole Polytechnique in 1996 and joined PSA (Stellantis now) in 2001. He worked for 12 years in various positions, globally focused on project management mainly for diesel engine development, hybrid strategy definition and implementation. In 2013, Vives joined Poclain Hydraulics to develop the automotive business with Poclain Powertrain. Since 2020, he has been in charge of Research & Technology for the global company.

Contributors:

Marie Darty

About the Author

Sara Jensen

Executive Editor, Power & Motion

Sara Jensen is executive editor of Power & Motion, directing expanded coverage into the modern fluid power space, as well as mechatronic and smart technologies. She has over 15 years of publishing experience. Prior to Power & Motion she spent 11 years with a trade publication for engineers of heavy-duty equipment, the last 3 of which were as the editor and brand lead. Over the course of her time in the B2B industry, Sara has gained an extensive knowledge of various heavy-duty equipment industries — including construction, agriculture, mining and on-road trucks —along with the systems and market trends which impact them such as fluid power and electronic motion control technologies.

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