Smart Distribution: Why the Future of PDMs is More Critical Than Ever

As vehicle architectures quickly evolve, more electronics, loads and complexity are present within the system. While traditional centralized power distribution modules (PDMs) meet many demands for low voltage systems, they are not keeping up with requirements in electrification. Chief Enterprises is proud to be focused on the research and development of power distribution as we enter a new era of modernization.

The Limitations of Today’s PDMs

Centralized Architectures Add Weight, Complexity, and Risk

Utilizing traditional, centralized modules requires long harness runs that add extra weight, cost, and routing difficulty. The long routing design then drives the use of larger gauge wire and increases the overall wire cost. Not only are there weight and cost considerations, but high amperage loads (up to 1000A) are pushed through a single conductor, taking up space and requiring protection against overheating. This centralized layout creates single failure points that can compromise the entire vehicle system when the single conductor fails. All of this contributes to the size and design of the PDM, making it heavier, bulkier and harder to design in. 

Limited Flexibility and Configurability

Many existing power distribution modules are built with fixed, rigid internal designs with no ability to support bused power architecture. If the customer was to need a different arrangement, there is no possibility for reconfiguration within that same module. These small adjustments, such as switching connectors or number of components can require full redesigns, adding significant costs and lead time. Since the architecture cannot be rearranged internally, designers are required to add in extra splices, wiring, and junctions resulting in more labor, failure points, and a higher assembly cost.

Packaging and Component Constraints

Today’s vehicles often need a smaller footprint that is able to accommodate higher-power components. With older legacy PDMs that lack flexibility, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are utilizing larger modules just to meet requirements as the layout is fixed or internal busing is rigid. For emerging electrified residential and industrial applications, including Lawn & Garden (L&G), Generators and ATVs, these applications now require PDMs that are compatible with UL-rated wiring, not just automotive wiring standards. Without appropriate solutions, OEMs are relying on awkward workarounds such as oversized modules, additional adapters, or non-optimal routing just to meet basic requirements. As power demands increase, there are emerging components such as high-voltage MIDI fuses that can only fit into some legacy modules and most often not in the desired location.

Chief Enterprises MIDI Fuse Holder Solution

As new electrified platforms adopt higher-power components like 70V MIDI fuses from OptiFuse, OEMs are looking for compact and UL-compatible fuse-protection solutions. Chief’s answer is a purpose-built MIDI fuse holder, planned to launch in 2026, featuring a durable two-piece molded design, brass inserts, and an optional fir-tree mount for quick integration across L&G, golf carts, ATVs, and industrial EVs. 

High-Voltage EV Challenges

The move towards electric vehicles (EVs) is pushing power systems into higher voltage ranges; however, the industry still lacks a standardized, scalable approach for high-voltage power distribution modules. This creates challenges for OEMs as custom tooling, unique connectors, and custom designs add significant Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) costs and often result in a one-off engineering effort. As high-voltage distribution continues to evolve, the EV architectures are changing faster than current PDMs can keep up – with increasing demands for thermal protection and new fuse/contactor technology. At this point in time, no single power-distribution layout works across full product lines or across the industry, making every high voltage design an expensive exercise in customization.

Limited Safe Disconnect Solutions

High-voltage systems require a safe and reliable manual disconnect to isolate the power source from the rest of the electrical architecture. During service or repair, the battery must be separated from the main harness, but this disconnection cannot be safely performed in the field without proper hardware.

Modern electrification platforms routinely operate in the 400–1000A range, making uncontrolled or imprecise disconnects extremely dangerous. A volatile battery that cannot be safely or easily isolated introduces risk, including high-voltage shock potential for technicians and operators.

Distributed & Smarter Power

With the industry shifting away from relying on one large, centralized PDM and moving towards smaller, distributed modules placed closer to the loads they service. This zone architecture reduces dependence on a single power hub and supports modern high-power electrical systems. 

Key Benefits of Distributed Power:

• Weight Reduction

• Easier Routing

• Improved Serviceability

• Greater Scalability

• High Configurability 

Chief Enterprises Bused BRIC Solution

Chief’s Bused BRIC solution – targeted for market launch in late 2026 – is designed as a next-generation distributed power module. It provides flexible internal busing, improved cost efficiency, and compatibility with emerging electrical systems. Key features include optimized materials and glass-filled molding, an internal embedded bus to reduce wiring, and bused fuses with relays, while remaining compatible with legacy 280-style components.

With a standard platform and greater flexibility for custom circuits, the Bused BRIC provides high-end functionality at a mid-range price point, making it a must-have and cost-effective choice for Agriculture, Construction, and Powersports applications.

Visit us at the Work Truck Show 2026 in Indianapolis, IN, to see a live demo of the Bused BRIC. 

Preparing for High-Voltage Power Distribution

As EV and hybrid systems continue to expand, high-voltage distribution is more critical than ever. Designing around 60-1000V systems demands new approaches to safety, routing, and thermal management. OEMs are actively looking for HV-ready solutions that can be integrated with traction systems and offer standardization, scalability, and modularity.

Chief’s Direction in High-Voltage Power

With the demand for HV-ready platforms on the rise, Chief is preparing to support OEMs with a modular, scalable approach to high-voltage power distribution that is not reliant on a single product line for capability. Our goal is to provide a solution that can adapt to customer needs, reduce the burden on engineering, and shorten time to market. This initiative is included in our product roadmap for the next five years. To learn more, please contact our team.

What OEMs Will Expect Next

As OEMs push for cleaner, more compact electrical systems with fewer connections and less clutter, they also expect solutions that can scale with their future platforms. Looking ahead, OEMs will prioritize scalable power-distribution architectures that adapt across multiple vehicle models and product lines. Configurable protection strategies—whether fuses, relays, or hybrid systems—will be needed to support changing load profiles. To meet these expectations, true modularity built on standardized building blocks will become essential.

At the same time, OEMs will also need deeper electrical visibility with real-time load monitoring, circuit-level current data, and predictive fault detection. Chief is preparing for this next generation by partnering with industry leaders like Bosch and Honeywell Sensing to provide advanced current and battery-safety sensing, and by working with brands such as CVEP to integrate smart components and an optional CAN-enabled diagnostics bus directly alongside our BRIC power distribution modules.

As the industry continues to transition, OEMs will seek partners who can help them to bridge the gap from current low-voltage (12V/24V) to emerging low-voltage (48V) and high-voltage (600V+) systems. Chief is committed to delivering next generation power-distribution technologies that are intelligent and ready for the electrified future.