When your factory builds electric two- and three-wheelers, the electronics inside the vehicle must meet a reliability bar that is not far from medical device electronics manufacturing. We see this every week in our daily work. Procurement teams in Europe often ask us: “How do we get a clear quotation for complex PCBs and PCBA without hidden surprises?” The direct answer: you need a supplier who treats your RFQ like a medical device spec. with controlled documents, explicit DFM feedback, and a BOM that leaves no line item ambiguous. That is how we work, and it makes purchasing clearer for your team.
We are Informic, an electronics manufacturing partner focused on support for electric vehicle factories. We write as a team of account managers and manufacturing engineers. We do not claim to be a medical device manufacturer, but we apply the same discipline to your two- and three-wheeler electronics. In this article, we explain how we turn a vague inquiry into a precise quotation, how we handle DFM, and how we structure BOMs so your procurement team can compare offers fairly.
Why medical device electronics manufacturing discipline matters for EV factories
Two- and three-wheel electric vehicles operate in harsh conditions: vibration, temperature swings, moisture, and constant power cycling. A controller that fails in a medical device is a serious issue, but a controller that fails in an e-scooter or cargo trike is also a safety and liability problem. We apply medical-grade thinking to your vehicle electronics because your products carry people.
Technical reference: For related engineering context, see IPC standards and industry resources.
That means we start with a clear specification. We do not assume you have a complete design. Often your team has a schematic and a list of components, but not a fully validated layout. We ask the same questions a medical device manufacturer would ask:
- What is the operating temperature range for the final assembly?
- What are the vibration and shock requirements?
- What is the expected lifecycle in charge-discharge cycles?
- Which components are single-sourced and which have alternates?
- What is the acceptable failure rate per thousand units?
These are not abstract questions. They directly affect component selection, solder mask choice, and test coverage. When you answer them, we can produce a quotation that is meaningful for your budget and timeline.
How we structure an RFQ for your EV electronics
Your procurement team likely sends us a PDF or a spreadsheet. That is fine. But to give you a clear quotation, we need a few specific items. We have learned that a structured RFQ saves everyone time. Here is what we ask for in every RFQ, even if you are in a hurry:
| RFQ item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Bill of Materials (BOM) with manufacturer part numbers | We cannot quote accurately without knowing exact components. Generic descriptions like “capacitor 10uF” are not enough. |
| PCB layer stackup or Gerber files | We need to see the board design to assess manufacturability and layer count. |
| Quantity and forecast (annual and per order) | Pricing depends on volume. A forecast of 5,000 units per year is different from 50,000. |
| Test requirements (ICT, FCT, boundary scan) | Test coverage affects cost and lead time. We need to know your acceptance criteria. |
| Environmental and compliance specifications | RoHS, REACH, and specific European directives must be clear from the start. |
| Target delivery location in Europe | Logistics costs and customs handling vary by country. |
When you provide these six items, we can respond with a quote that breaks down PCB fabrication, assembly, testing, and logistics. If you miss any item, we will ask. But we do not send a vague estimate. We prefer to ask three clarifying questions rather than guess.
DFM: our first engineering pass before you commit
Design for Manufacturability (DFM) is not a buzzword. It is a concrete review of your board design to catch issues that would cause delays or rework. We do this review before we finalize the quotation, not after you place an order. This is how we make purchasing clearer: we identify potential problems early, so you are not surprised later.
For example, we check trace widths against current carrying requirements for motor drive circuits. We verify that thermal reliefs are present on ground planes. We look at component spacing for automated assembly. We also check that the PCB panelization allows for proper depaneling without cracking ceramic capacitors.
Here is a typical DFM feedback list we send to your engineering team:
- Minimum drill size is 0.2mm, but we recommend 0.3mm for lower cost and higher yield.
- Two components are placed too close for standard pick-and-place nozzles.
- One via is placed under a BGA pad; we suggest moving it to avoid solder wicking.
- Copper pour on layer 2 has a sharp angle that could cause etching issues.
We do not charge for this initial DFM review. It is part of our quotation process. You get a written document with our recommendations. You can then decide whether to modify your design or accept the risks. This is the same process used in medical device electronics manufacturing, where a single design flaw can stop a product launch.
We also use DFM to suggest cost reductions. Sometimes we recommend a different PCB fabrication stackup that is electrically equivalent but cheaper to produce. Or we suggest a standard component that is in stock at a distributor, reducing lead time. These suggestions are always optional, but they help your procurement team make informed decisions.
BOM management: turning a parts list into a procurement plan
A BOM is more than a list of parts. It is a procurement plan. We treat your BOM as a living document. We check every line item for availability, lead time, and lifecycle status. This is especially important for electric vehicle electronics, where some components have long lead times or are end-of-life.
We use our network of components suppliers to source parts ethically and transparently. We do not switch components without your approval. If a part is unavailable, we give you a list of alternates with datasheets and our recommendation. You make the final call. This level of transparency is rare in the industry, but we believe it is essential for long-term partnerships.
For each BOM line, we provide:
- Manufacturer part number and description
- Quantity per board and total quantity
- Unit price in EUR (or USD, as you prefer)
- Lead time for each component
- Risk level (low, medium, high) for obsolescence or allocation
This detailed BOM breakdown allows your procurement team to see exactly where money goes. You can compare our quotation with other suppliers line by line. We do not hide costs in assembly fees. If a component is expensive, you see it. If a part is hard to source, you see it. That is how purchasing becomes clearer.
We also offer a pcba service that includes BOM management and component procurement. You do not need to buy parts separately and ship them to us. We handle everything, but you always retain visibility. Our online portal shows real-time stock levels and order status.
Practical steps to get a clearer quotation from us
If you are a procurement buyer at a two- or three-wheeler factory, here is a simple process to follow. It will reduce your email back-and-forth and get you a usable quote faster.
- Gather your files. Collect the latest Gerbers, BOM, and any test specifications. Even if they are not final, share them. We can work with preliminary files.
- Define your volume. Write down your expected annual volume and the size of your first order. If you do not have a forecast, give us a range. For example, “first order 500 units, annual forecast 10,000 units.”
- List your must-haves. Note any specific certifications (CE, UKCA, etc.) or environmental requirements. We will confirm what we can support.
- Send the RFQ to us via our quote page. Attach your files and include your target delivery date.
- Receive a structured response. Within two business days, we send a preliminary quotation with DFM feedback and a BOM breakdown. We also list open questions that need your engineering team’s input.
That is it. You do not need to chase us for information. We will ask specific questions if we need clarification. This method works for both small prototype runs and mass production.
What we do not do
We want to be honest about our limitations. We do not design your schematic for you. We are a manufacturing partner, not a design house. If you need help with circuit design, we can recommend independent consultants, but we do not offer that service ourselves.
We also do not guarantee component availability for parts that are globally constrained. We give you real-time information and alternatives, but we cannot perform miracles. If a specific microcontroller has a 52-week lead time, we will tell you that upfront. We will not pretend we can source it in two weeks.
Finally, we do not provide false certifications. If you need a specific medical device certification, we will tell you if we can meet it or not. We do not claim to be something we are not. Our strength is applying medical-grade manufacturing discipline to electric vehicle electronics, not certifying a vehicle as a medical device.
Why European EV factories choose this approach
European factories often face strict regulatory and environmental standards. Your customers expect reliability and traceability. By structuring our quotations like a medical device electronics manufacturing RFQ, we help you meet those expectations. You get a clear paper trail from component sourcing to final test.
We also understand European logistics. We ship to Germany, France, the Netherlands, and other countries regularly. We handle customs documentation and can provide delivery terms that work for your production line. This reduces administrative burden for your procurement team.
In our daily work, we see that clear communication prevents most problems. That is why we write articles like this one, and why we respond to every RFQ with structured data. We want you to feel confident that you are comparing apples to apples when you evaluate suppliers.
FAQ
What is the minimum order quantity for a PCBA quote?
We do not have a fixed MOQ. We quote for prototype quantities as low as 50 boards and for production runs up to 100,000 boards per year. The price per board will vary based on volume, but we are happy to provide a tiered quotation so you can plan for scale.
How long does a typical RFQ process take?
For a standard multilayer board with a complete BOM, we send a preliminary quotation within two business days. If we need to source unusual components or if your design requires extensive DFM analysis, it may take up to five business days. We always communicate a clear timeline when you submit your RFQ.
Do you provide test fixtures for production?
Yes, we design and build test fixtures for functional circuit tests (FCT) and in-circuit tests (ICT) as part of our pcba service. The cost of fixture development is quoted separately from the per-board assembly cost. We will explain the one-time fee and the per-unit test cost in your quotation.
