CONEXPO-CON/AGG is a must-attend industry event for OEMs, suppliers, and service providers across global construction equipment, mining, agriculture and mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs). Taking place every three years in Las Vegas, the 2026 event delivered on its reputation: enormous indoor and outdoor exhibits featuring the latest products, emerging technologies, and everything from massive earth-moving machines to AI-driven autonomous systems. A true stage for showcasing innovation!
Delta-Q at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026
Delta-Q Technologies, an on-board charging business unit of the ZAPI GROUP, had a presence located indoors within the Component Supplier Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. We co-exhibited together with sister companies ZAPI Spa, Inmotion US, ZIVAN srl, Schabmüller GmbH, 4e Consulting and recent acquisition, Stercom GmbH.
Seven companies, one unified presence as an integrated electrification partner.
Delta-Q showcased two new high-voltage, high-powered charging solutions designed to meet the operational parameters of larger construction equipment. Our 7.2kW and 22 kW liquid-cooled on-board solutions are designed for 100 V, 400 V or 800 V lithium-ion battery packs. Both chargers are compact modular design platforms, integrating multiple functions such as DC-DC conversion, EV charging station interface, DCFC and PLC (22kW).
Rounding out the charger offering, Stercom showcased their 22kW OBC V2X on-board charger with bi-directional charging mode, Universal Grid Compatibility (UGC) and Functional Safety features.
The Electrification Reality Check
Electrification is replacing internal combustion engines to meet sustainability targets and improve operational efficiency and is where off-highway machines are heading.
The 2023 event showed strong momentum, but in 2026, that momentum has noticeably cooled down.
This wasn’t unexpected.
Despite battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology being ready and the benefits being well understood, several barriers continue to slow adoption:
- Upfront acquisition cost of BEVs can be double that of the diesel equivalent
- Residual values at resale tend to be lower
- Charging infrastructure is challenging to access at remote worksites
- Inconsistent regulatory pressure reduces urgency to transition
What the OEMs Were Saying on the Floor
The team anticipated less electrification at the 2026 event, and that’s largely what was observed. Major North American OEMs (e.g.) Caterpillar and John Deere, along with Japanese players like Yanmar and Komatsu, had limited BEV offerings, particularly in the heavier machine categories.
One notable western exception was Volvo Construction Equipment, who affirmed their belief in electric as the future. With large strategic investments in manufacturing in the US and Mexico, they believe that total cost of ownership (TCO) advantages and zero-emission benefits will eventually pull the rest of the industry into adoption. Their impressive outdoor exhibit featured several large earth-moving BEVs, including autonomous operations.
Others pushing forward include Manitou, who featured several electric lifts and telehandlers, and Bomag (Fayat Group), who showcased their compact rollers using the Delta-Q XV3300 charger.
Strong Electrification Push from Chinese OEMs
With BEV adoption already widespread in the Chinese construction market, it was no surprise to see a strong electrification showing from Chinese OEMs. The LuGong Group exhibited a full range of larger earth-moving machines, aerial work platforms, and Class 1 material handling equipment.
When the tipping point into BEVs truly arrives in North America, Chinese manufacturers will be well-positioned to seize market share with their lower-cost, already-proven offerings.
Is the Future Electric?
While some OEMs are cooling program investment, others are pushing forward. The 2026 show made one thing clear: the industry is not moving as one.
Some are pulling back, reassessing timelines, and waiting for geopolitical, financial and construction market stability. Others are betting big, building factories, and putting large BEVs on the floor.
Regardless of commitments, the case for electric isn’t going away. The technology exists. With global instability and conflicts continuing to drive fuel and materials’ price volatility, every spike in fuel costs quietly strengthens the electrification argument. The adoption curve may be slower than 2023 suggested, but the fundamentals haven’t changed.
The Future of Electrification Virtual Conference
For those looking to go deeper, the Future of Electrification virtual conference is worth registering for. Now in its fifth year, ZAPI GROUP’s annual event brings together OEMs, suppliers, and industry leaders to tackle where electrification really stands. The 2026 theme, From Hype to Reality, says it all.
The event is free to attend and happening virtually on April 21–22, 2026. Learn more at www.futureofelectrification.org
