How can classic vehicles be sustainably prepared for the future without losing their unique character?
This is exactly the mission of ESDI EV Tech GmbH & Co. KG, which specializes in electrification solutions for classic and vintage vehicles. For its proprietary EV Drive System, ESDI was looking for a high-quality, intuitive user interface capable of both displaying key vehicle data and enabling convenient control of essential functions. With the support of Milexia Germany, the company selected Grayhill Touch Encoders, which combine display and control functions in a single compact unit. The result is a modern, user-friendly HMI solution that elevates both the functionality and aesthetics of ESDI’s vehicle conversions while receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers.
Milexia Deutschland:
Mr. Lührmann, could you briefly introduce ESDI EV Tech to us? What does your company do?
Alexander Lührmann:
We are ESDI EV Tech GmbH & Co. KG and we specialise in the electrification of classic vehicles. We develop conversion kits that enable us to convert classic cars and vintage vehicles to modern electric mobility. At the heart of our solutions is our proprietary EV Drive System, which allows us to integrate mass-production technology into one-off or small-batch vehicles.
Milexia Deutschland:
Which market segment do you operate in?
Alexander Lührmann:
We operate in the field of electromobility and vehicle retrofitting, particularly for classic and historic vehicles. Our customers are looking for a sustainable way to make their vehicles fit for the future without losing the vehicle’s character.
Milexia Deutschland:
What was the background to the project on which we were able to support you?
Alexander Lührmann:
For our EV Drive System, we needed a modern, high-quality user interface. Our customers expect not only a reliable control system, but also a user experience that lives up to the high-quality standards of our conversions.
Milexia Deutschland:
What challenge were you facing before working with Milexia?
Alexander Lührmann:
We had been searching for a suitable human-machine interface (HMI) for a long time. On the one hand, the solution needed to be able to display key vehicle data such as battery voltage, current levels and temperatures. On the other hand, we wanted to give our customers the ability to conveniently adjust settings such as gear selection, regenerative braking level, sport mode or the activation of the heating.
Milexia Deutschland:
Were there any specific technical requirements or constraints?
Alexander Lührmann:
Yes, definitely. The control solution had to be compact, intuitive and visually appealing. We also needed it to integrate reliably into our EV Drive System. It was also important to have access to specific variants that met our high design standards.
Milexia Deutschland:
Which solution did you ultimately choose?
Alexander Lührmann:
We learned about Grayhill’s Touch Encoders. The concept won us over straight away. The Touch Encoders combine display and control functions in a single, compact unit and are perfectly suited as the central control unit for our EV Drive System.
Milexia Deutschland:
How was Milexia Deutschland able to support you with procurement and implementation?
Alexander Lührmann:
The solution was provided by Milexia Deutschland, as a Grayhill added value distribution partner. In addition to technical advice, Milexia provided us with excellent support, particularly in meeting specific requirements. Today, we source the highly sought-after all-black Grayhill touch encoders, amongst other items, through Milexia Deutschland. It was particularly impressive that Milexia was able to deliver this special version much faster than originally expected. Whilst we were quoted delivery times of several months elsewhere, Milexia Deutschland was able to provide the solution within a few weeks.
Thanks to Milexia’s support, we were even able to source special product variants more quickly than expected and have found the right solution and integration for our retrofits.
Milexia Deutschland:
What results have you been able to achieve with the solution so far?
Alexander Lührmann:
The touch encoders are now the central control unit of our EV Drive System and contribute significantly to the user-friendliness of our vehicle conversions. The black touch encoders also give our vehicles a particularly high-quality and modern look. This takes our conversions to a new level and creates clear added value for our customers.
Milexia Deutschland:
How are your customers responding to the solution?
Alexander Lührmann:
The feedback has been consistently positive. Customers love the design, the feel and the intuitive operation. The black version in particular has been extremely well received and emphasises the premium nature of our retrofits.
More on ESDI EV Tech.
Milexia France installed the Hitachi SU8600 and the Hitachi TM4000Plus II at the LISA (Laboratoire Interuniversitaire des Systèmes Atmosphériques) in Créteil, France.
At the Institut de Recherche en Médecine de Montpellier (IRMB), the installation of the Neoscan N80 micro-CT system marks a key step forward in bone biology research
To support the development of next-generation steels and decarbonized solutions, ArcelorMittal Global R&D Maizières Products partnered with Milexia to install the Hitachi SU5000 scanning electron microscope.
PLACAMAT is a research and development center based in Bordeaux, specializing in the advanced characterization of nanostructured materials.