Documentation

Electric Vs Hydraulic*

Electric actuators vs hydraulic actuators: technology comparison

The electric and hydraulic actuators have the same goal: to convert energy (electric or hydraulic) into linear motion.

However, their operating principles, performance, and application areas differ significantly.

Here is a comparison of the two solutions based on the main technical and practical criteria.

Compactness

• At low or medium power, the electric actuator is often more compact as it requires no pump or hose. Everything is integrated into a single body (motor, screw, rod, controller).

• For very high forces, hydraulics retains the advantage: the power density of the fluid allows for considerable force generation with actuators of reduced dimensions.

In summary:

Electric = compact at moderate power,

Hydraulic = unbeatable for extreme forces.

Power and instantaneous force

Hydraulic actuators can deliver very high forces from the start, without a reducer, thanks to fluid pressure (up to several hundred bars).

They are therefore ideal for applications requiring:

• a high instantaneous force,

• a high torque at low speed,

• or static forces maintained for a long time.

Electric actuators, on the other hand, often require a mechanical reducer to increase force, which limits their speed and instantaneous power.

Advantage: hydraulic, for power and intense efforts.

Integration and cleanliness

This is one of the strengths of the electric actuator:

• Simplified installation: only an electric power supply and a control signal.

• No leaks, no pollution: ideal for clean environments (industry, medical, food processing).

The hydraulic actuator, on the other hand, relies on:

• a high-pressure hose network,

• a hydraulic power unit (pump, reservoir, filters, distributors).

This implies more bulk, maintenance, and risk of leaks.

Advantage: electric, for simplicity and cleanliness.

Command and control

Electric actuators offer very precise control:

• control of position, speed, and force by measuring the motor current,

• easy integration into automated systems via CAN, PWM, or industrial buses,

• real-time feedback (telemetry, diagnostics).

Hydraulic actuators, on the other hand, are controlled via:

• distributors or servovalves,

• a pressure measurement to estimate force,

• and often require more complex external regulation.

Advantage: electric, for precise control and automation.

Costs and maintenance

• At purchase, a hydraulic actuator is often cheaper at equivalent power.

• But over the lifetime, the electric actuator is more economical:

  • no oil, no hoses to replace,

  • virtually no maintenance,

  • better controlled energy consumption (only under load).

Hydraulic = competitive for very high power,

Electric = cost-effective in the long term for low to medium power.

Energy dependence

• The electric actuator depends on an electric source (network, battery, or charger). It thus integrates easily into autonomous systems of 24 V or 48–51.2 V.

• The hydraulic actuator requires a power unit (thermal or electric) supplying the central unit and the pressurised circuit.

Electric = autonomous and silent,

Hydraulic = dependent on a central unit and more energy-consuming.

In summary

Conclusion

Electric actuators are now prevalent in areas requiring precision, cleanliness, and automation, while hydraulic actuators remain essential for very high power applications or harsh environments.

The choice therefore mainly depends on the level of effort required, the type of control desired, and the context of use.

*: The technical information presented in this article is provided for guidance only. It does not replace the official manuals of the manufacturers. Before any installation, handling, or use, please consult the product documentation and follow the safety instructions. Torque.works cannot be held responsible for inappropriate use or incorrect interpretation of the information provided.