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Electric vehicles present automakers with unique challenges that do not exist in traditional ICE manufacturing. These differences mean that partnering with the right component supplier is crucial. After defining performance metrics and component needs for your EV application, use this component supplier checklist to help you make an informed decision and ensure success in your design.
Evaluate supplier’s experience in supplying components for EV applications. |
Confirm supplier’s technical capabilities are in line with projected needs for your EV design. |
Consider whether or not your supplier is design-responsible. |
Ask if the supplier can modify standard products in order to meet your specific requirements. |
Request customer references or case studies related to previous projects that the supplier has worked on. |
Confirm that supplier complies with established standards and regulations for the automotive industry (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949, PPAP, regulatory requirements, etc.). |
Ensure supplier has an internal quality management system in place and review relevant documentation. |
Review supplier’s estimated parts per million (PPM) defect rate and published quality records. |
Evaluate supplier’s product development and revalidation testing requirements. |
Review supplier’s production capabilities, including average tooling and lead times for shipment and on-time delivery. |
Verify that the supplier’s production capacity can scale to accommodate fluctuations in demand, design changes, or material shortages. |
Confirm that the supplier has processes in place to address the control of changes made to the product or process so that the supply chain and production cycle is not adversely affected. |
Consider the location of supplier’s manufacturing facilities. |
Get details on any value-added services that the supplier offers, including items such as preventative maintenance, testing, local sales support, warranties, material analyzers, safety stock, and engineering design support. |
Ask about how the supplier develops their employees, including any internal training they provide to their engineers and manufacturing staff. |
Always verify flow calculations by experiment.
*There are many parameters to consider when determining V-Factor. Click here for more information.
