Sager Electronics’ director, supplier marketing and product management, Pamela Berigan, explains why successful EV charging projects depend on balanced sourcing strategies
As EV adoption accelerates, demand for reliable, high-performance EV charging infrastructure continues to grow. At the center of this infrastructure are relays and contactors, critical components enabling safe power switching, isolation and protection. While engineering teams focus on performance and certifications, procurement teams face increasing complexity when sourcing these components.
Extended lead times remain one of the biggest challenges. Relays and contactors for EV charging are often produced on specialized manufacturing lines and require rigorous testing and validation. As demand expands across automotive, industrial, energy storage and charging applications, suppliers are struggling to keep pace. Once predictable lead times have stretched significantly, complicating forecasting and production planning.
At the same time, ongoing cost pressures continue to impact pricing. Volatility in raw materials, labor constraints and rising operating expenses have driven multiple rounds of price increases from many manufacturers. This creates budget uncertainty and limits flexibility, especially in long-term programs where cost stability is essential.
Higher minimum order quantities (MOQs) add another layer of complexity. While these requirements help suppliers manage capacity and improve efficiency, they can strain organizations, particularly those ramping gradually or supporting multiple charger platforms. Increased MOQs can lead to excess inventory, higher carrying costs and reduced responsiveness to market changes.
Procurement professionals are looking beyond unit price to evaluate factors such as supplier stability, inventory availability, technical support and access to alternative sourcing options. This is where working with an authorized distributor can help mitigate supply chain risk and improve program continuity.
Authorized distributors can play a key role in helping organizations navigate uncertainty. Beyond component fulfillment, many provide services that help purchasing teams address lead-time challenges, evaluate alternative solutions and align procurement strategies with evolving program requirements.
Early collaboration between purchasing, engineering, operations, manufacturers and distribution partners can also reduce the risk of redesigns, qualification delays and supply disruptions. Access to samples, technical resources and emerging product introductions lets teams evaluate new technologies more efficiently and make informed sourcing decisions.
