Brandon Knecht
VP of Finance and Supply ChainElectrical Components International
Brandon Knecht, CPA, CA, is an accomplished executive serving as the Vice-President of Finance and Supply Chain for Promark Electronics, ProEV, and ASI, divisions of Electrical Components International (ECI). With a rich background in financial leadership and a keen passion for electrification and EVs, Brandon has been instrumental in steering these companies toward a sustainable, high-tech future.
ECI is a global electrification leader generating over $1.5 billion in annual revenues with an expansive presence spanning 40 facilities worldwide and a team of 25,000 employees. ECI's unwavering commitment to technological innovation aligns perfectly with Brandon's forward-thinking approach and his dedication to a more sustainable future for our communities. Under his guidance, ProEV, takes center stage in Brandon's portfolio. As a leading specialist in the manufacturing of high-voltage cable and wire harnesses for commercial and industrial EVs, ProEV exemplifies Brandon's commitment to driving the shift towards e-mobility.
Brandon Knecht brings a wealth of knowledge, a visionary approach, and a deep-rooted passion for electrification. His insights make him a dynamic and inspiring speaker, ready to empower audiences with the latest trends and innovations in the ever-evolving world of EVs.
Brandon Knecht’s Session(s):
2:15 pm–2:45 pm | Thursday, November 2, 2023
EV OEM Speed Dating: The Inside Perspective on Choosing a Vehicle Supplier for Your Fleet
In this piece, Jarred Knecht, President of ProEV™ and Promark Electronics, a division of Electrical Components International, dives into the behind-the-scenes of EV OEMs from the supplier’s point of view, and how to best select a supplier for your fleet. ProEV™ is a next-generation technology company that manufactures and engineers high-voltage cable and wire harnesses solely for industrial and commercial electric vehicles. Jarred provides an unbiased perspective from a world leading electrical component supplier, not a vehicle OEM. At ProEV™, we do not sell vehicles, we are the North American leader in supplying electrical components to all classes of EV trucks and work vehicles.
Jarred gives an inside view onto the landscape of the broad types of OEMs, from school buses, class 3-8 trucks, last mile delivery vehicles, and utility trucks – revealing their strengths and weaknesses, and how that could affect fleet operators’ decision to partner with one brand vs another. He uncovers his supplier’s guide on how fleet operators should partner with OEMs – this is best understood by discussing the 3 stages of maturity of vehicle OEMs as well as the pros and cons of each of their categories:
Once the three distinct types of OEMs have been explored, the next step would be to look at the OEMs business as a whole. Interestingly enough, selecting a fleet partner can be easily compared to choosing your life partner:
Ultimately, Jarred has led ProEV™ with the mindset that fleet operators are the customer. Through OEMs, ProEV™ has made it their business to understand the customer’s needs: they help OEMs architect their vehicles to satisfy the end user.