Tariffs are in flux, and for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) sourcing small quantities of custom battery packs, the cost pressure is even higher. But that doesn’t mean innovation and profits need to stall. There are a number of effective design and sourcing strategies to help OEMs stay lean, launch faster, and stay competitive in low-volume battery packs—even under current U.S. tariffs.
At CMB, we help OEMs turn this challenge into an opportunity by combining intelligent design strategies, optimized sourcing, and flexible low-MOQ support to minimize total project cost while maintaining quality, performance, and compliance.
The Low-Volume Sourcing Dilemma
Small-batch sourcing has always come with a price. But with 2025’s evolving U.S.-China tariff policies, low-volume custom battery orders are being hit harder than ever.
Unlike high-volume orders, where fixed import fees and design costs can be spread across thousands of units, OEMs developing prototypes, pilot runs, or niche-market products are left absorbing the full impact per unit. This can lead to skyrocketing per-unit pricing, slower product development, and tougher margins (especially for startups and small-to-midsize OEMs).
The Solution: Smarter Cost Strategies for Low-Volume Orders
While the threat of tariff price hikes can feel overwhelming, there are many ways you can beat the tariff squeeze without compromising on performance or compliance.
1. Modular Battery Design: Customizing Without Starting From Scratch
Instead of reinventing the wheel with every order, modular battery architecture allows OEMs to mix and match pre-engineered components to meet their requirements. This means fewer engineering hours, faster prototyping and certification, and lower design and tooling costs.
Rather than creating a custom battery from the ground up, you could adapt a modular battery to suit your specifications, ultimately reducing upfront engineering costs by up to 30% while cutting lead time in half.
2. Alternative Materials & Tariff-Conscious Sourcing
Another powerful way to reduce costs? Strategic material selection. Work with your manufacturer’s engineering team to identify components and materials that: a) fall outside high-tariff categories, b) have tariff-exempt alternatives, or c) can be sourced from non-tariff regions without sacrificing quality.
For example, you may opt to source your connectors locally, switch to aluminum battery enclosures instead of steel, or select battery cells that offer similar performance but fall under different classification codes.
These changes may seem small, but in low-volume runs, they can shift your cost structure significantly.
Built-In Compliance & Certification Support
We understand that for many OEMs, regulatory compliance is as critical as cost control. That’s why CMB integrates regulatory support into every stage of your project:
UL2580, IEC62133, UN38.3, ISO13485, IEC60601, and industry-specific certifications.
Comprehensive test data package preparation.
Engineering documentation support for customer or agency audits.
Consistent process control for seamless scale-up to full production.
The Impact: Cutting Costs While Maintaining Quality
By combining modular battery design with alternative materials and tariff-conscious sourcing, OEMs can bring products to market faster, reduce total project cost (even with tariffs), and test concepts or niche products without heavy financial risk.
These approaches can help cut total costs by 15–25% while keeping quality, form factor, and certifications intact.
Let’s Talk: How Can We Help You Reduce Costs?
If you’re feeling the strain of tariffs on your low-volume battery pack sourcing, we’re ready to help. Our engineering and sourcing experts are here to identify ways to cut costs, streamline your design, and support your launch fast.
At CMB, we know the importance of agility, especially in today’s tariff-heavy trade environment. That’s why we:
- Support low minimum order quantities (MOQs)
- Offer transparent, tariff-inclusive quotes
- Provide engineering consultations to optimize cost at every stage
Whether you’re launching a new product, testing a concept, or operating in a niche vertical, we’re here to help you stay efficient and competitive.
