Circular Product Development in Heavy Electric Trucks : Applying the R-Framework for Power Electronics

Sammanfattning

The transition towards a circular economy has increased the need to integrate circular strategies into early product development. However, the implementation of such strategies remains challenging, particularly in complex systems such as power electronics for heavy electric trucks. Therefore, this thesis investigates how the 9R-framework can be operationalized in the product development of power electronic components, identifying barriers and enablers, assessing variations across actor roles, and proposing practical methods for measuring circularity performance. The research employs a case study approach, integrating insights from a literature review, interview study, and industrial observations. The results show that circular strategy implementation in power electronic development is mainly determined in early design stages, where technical, economic, and organizational factors interact. While the 9R-framework provides a common structure, its application is constrained by trade-offs, limited alignment, and insufficient integration into decision-making. Circularity performance can be assessed through product-, resource-, and design-related KPIs, but requires earlier integration and improved data and organizational support to be effective.