Construction Equipment Asia

Electromobility Frequently asked questions

Here you will find information about the electric machines and more. 

Electric Machines

What is electromobility?

Electromobility means vehicles – including cars, buses, trains, trucks and of course, construction equipment – that are fully or partly driven electrically, have a means of storing energy on board and are usually powered via the grid.

What is the difference between electromobility and hybrid technology?

Electric machines use an electric motor to propel or perform the main purpose of the machine, whereas a hybrid machine uses more than one power source – usually electric and diesel – and captures and reuses energy that would otherwise be wasted.

What environmental impact is related to an electric vehicle?

Electric vehicles do usually have a reduced environmental impact compared with diesel and gas-powered vehicles. Electric drivelines are generally more energy efficient and the least environmental impact is achieved when using electricity from renewable sources. Electric drivetrains emit no exhaust emissions locally where the products are used.

What is the driving force behind electromobility?

Stricter carbon emission regulations – as well as our customers’ own CO2 reduction targets – are certainly pushing this technology forward, but we believe that also desire for greater efficiency and reduced noise are key drivers.

How long has Volvo CE been working with electric and hybrid technology?

Volvo CE has been researching and developing electric and hybrid technology since as far back as 1998.

Does Volvo CE run a parallel offering of fully-electric construction vehicles and diesel machines?

Volvo CE has introduced electric machines while continuing to manufacture the current range of diesel engine compact machines, based on market demand and regulatory requirements.

How are the batteries treated at end of life?

So far the amounts of used surplus batteries are fairly low, but as we ramp up our production of electrified machines the need for recycling and reuse streams will increase. To be prepared for this Volvo CE is working together with waste contractors and other actors to maximize the recycling rate of electric batteries. We are also looking into second use possibilities of old batteries to find potentials to prolong the battery lifetime in other applications, e.g. energy storage in facilities.

Do the batteries contain any scarce or conflict minerals?

Lithium ion batteries contain certain scarce materials such as e.g. heavy metals and Rare Earth Metals. Some of the scarce materials that can be found in Li-ion batteries and other electromobility components are known to sometimes be derived from sources known to directly or indirectly benefit armed groups in the area of origin. Often these materials are referred to as Conflict Minerals. To assure that the materials used in the electric batteries in our Volvo machines, Volvo CE is assessing all parts to assure that any occurrence of Tantalum, Tungsten, Tellur, Gold and Cobalt come from non conflict sources.

Will Volvo take care and pay for recycling of batteries at end of life?

Yes, Volvo will take care of the recycling of EV batteries. Assuring sustainable management of EV batteries throughout the lifecycle of the product will be an important component in achieving a circular and sustainable transport sector for the future. The producer responsibility regulations that many countries have mandates the battery manufacturers to collect the batteries. Due to considerable values (metal content, etc) of used batteries, there is also a financial driver providing opportunities for partnerships and 3:rd party involvement within the industry. Volvo Group has recently formed the company Volvo Energy who will develop electrification solutions to the group. Battery recycling, recovery and reuse solutions will be developed and managed by Volvo Energy going forward.

Is Volvo already engaged for second life application?

From a Volvo Group standpoint, different initiatives are running looking into second life application of EV batteries. One example of such an initiative is Battery Loop (cooperation btw Stena Recycling and Volvo Bus Corporation) enabling reuse of EV batteries for energy storage purposes. Within Volvo CE we are, in collaboration with Volvo Energy, investigating the possibility to reuse degraded batteries in customer solutions to serve other energy storage and energy generation needs. Going forward, it is within the scope of Volvo Energy to further define and develop the business and infrastructure regarding second use of batteries.

Can Volvo track the origin of certain critical materials (e.g. Conflict Minerals such as cobalt) in the battery applications?

Yes, we are collecting this information for the majority of our suppliers. Our electric vehicle application and battery suppliers have been prioritized in this inventory. We utilize the forms and template of RMI (The Responsible Minerals Initiative) for 3TG´s (tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold) and cobalt respectively providing information of, among other things, the smelters where the mineral has been enriched.

What electric machines are currently available?

Volvo CE’s electric equipment offer consists of one compact excavator, Volvo ECR25 Electric and one compact wheel loader, Volvo L25 Electric.

What is the warranty for the electric machines?

All Compact Electric models are supplied with a 3 years/ 6000 hours* comprehensive warranty, using genuine Volvo parts.
The battery is covered with a 5 years/ 5000 hours* warranty, using genuine Volvo parts.

*Whichever is earlier.

For further details, please contact your dealer or emobilitysupport.volvoce@volvo.com

When you say “electric”, does this also include the hydraulics in the machines?

The electric machines have a fully electric power source and hydraulic cylinders and pumps.

How long does the electric wheel loader battery last from fully charged?

Depending on the type of job (application and intensity of the work cycle), with a typical stop-start working pattern, you can operate the machine for up to an 8 hour working day with one single charge.

You can contact your local dealer to calculate the net operating time. The expected operating time is based on your input on how you plan to operate your machine. Have a look at our dealer locator to find your closest dealer and they will help you further.

How long does the electric excavator battery last from fully charged?

Depending on the type of job (application and intensity of the work cycle), with a typical stop-start working pattern, you can operate the machine for up to 4 hours with one single charge.

You can contact your local dealer to calculate the net operating time. The expected operating time is based on your input on how you plan to operate your machine. Have a look at our dealer locator to find your closest dealer and they will help you further.

Does the electric wheel loader recover any energy during operation?

The electric loader recovers energy in all driving conditions while using the brake function of the electric drive system.

Can electric construction machines work on very cold or very warm temperatures?

The performance of the Volvo electric excavator and electric loader has been successfully tested on ambient temperatures between -10°C and 40°C.

How can I remotely monitor the battery status of an electric Volvo machine, such as a battery powered excavator or electric loader?

Our Electric Machine Management Application (‘EMMA’) gives customers remote information on their electric machine/s. Users can keep track of battery level, charging status and machine location all from the convenience of an internet-connected device, helping to take the actions needed to manage the charging process more efficiently and maximize uptime. EMMA is planned to be released beginning of 2023 as a BETA version with a free of charge trial period.

How long does it take to fully charge the electric wheel loader battery?

With the optional fast charging device (380V-420V three phase), it takes 1,5 hours for the L25 Electric to charge to a level of 80%.

With the standard charger (220V-240V) which comes along with the machines, the L25 Electric takes 9,5 hours* to charge to a level of 80%.

How long does it take to fully charge the electric excavator battery?

With the optional fast charging device (380V-420V three phase), it takes less than 1 hour for the ECR25 Electric to charge from 0% to a level of 80%.

With the standard charger (220V-240V) which comes along with the machines, the ECR25 takes 6 hours to charge to a level of 80%*.

Which electric battery fast charger options are available for Volvo electric excavators and electric wheel loaders?

When it comes to e-mobility fast charging devices, Volvo currently offers two different fast charger options for the electric product range:

  • 17.3kW Indoor Fast Charger electric battery charger:
    High-power fast charger, optimal for increased daily usage, designed for indoor use.

  • 17.3kW Outdoor Fast Charger electric battery charger:
    Heavy-duty fast charger for demanding applications and designed for outdoor usage out on the field.
How do I recharge the battery for electric construction equipment?

The electric wheel loader and the electric excavator are delivered with an on board charger and the required plugs. With those, the machines can be plugged into a normal household grid to charge the battery. For the optional fast charger of the electric wheel loader battery or the electric excavator battery, a 3 phase supply is needed.

Is there less maintenance on the Volvo electric construction equipment?

This is one of the major advantages of the electric construction equipment. Electrical components, batteries and motors, are maintenance free.

How does age affect the battery capacity for electrical construction equipment and how long can I expect the excavator battery or wheel loader battery to last?

The batteries used in our electric construction equipment are designed to last the full life expectancy of the machine.

How long can I expect the excavator battery or wheel loader battery to last?

The batteries in our electric construction equipment are designed to maintain a capacity of over 80% beyond the first life of the construction machine.

Can the electric excavator and electric wheel loader be operated while plugged into the grid?

No, it is not possible to use the electric excavator and electric wheel loader while charging batteries.

Can I charge the battery even if it’s not completely discharged on the electric excavator and wheel loader?

Yes, the batteries for the new electric excavator and wheel loader range, can be charged at any point in time. The lifetime of lithium ion batteries profits when they are not always fully discharged and recharged.

Is there any difference in performance between these electric machines and the equivalent diesel models?

ECR25 Electric and L25 Electric are based on conventional construction equipment design. Only the electric components are new in the vehicles. With its new technology the ECR25 Electric and L25 Electric can deliver similar performance to their diesel versions.

Which are optimal applications for compact electric excavators and electric loaders?

Volvo electric excavators and electric wheel loaders are designed to be used in the same applications as the equivalent diesel machines, like for example demolition, landscaping and utility work.
Furthermore, the electric excavators and electric loaders are even better suited for environments and applications where noise, exhaust emissions or vibrations are a problem today, such as indoor demolition, farming or food processing applications.

Does the lack of noise from the electric construction equipment engine have an impact on safety on site?

In most sites, the lack of engine noise from the electric construction machines is an advantage from a safety perspective as it enables better communication between coworkers on site. Furthermore, a white noise function is offered as an option for Volvo's electric construction equipment, that allows people around the machine to hear without the health issues related to noise.

Can someone easily steal the batteries on the Volvo electric construction vehicles?

The batteries cannot be easily stolen as they sit deep within the structure of the machine and it would take several hours to remove them.

Can I test drive an electric wheel loader or excavator?

Our current models Volvo ECR25 Electric and Volvo L25 Electric are available to test in the countries where these products have been launched. Please contact your local dealer for further information. Opportunities to test the new models Volvo L25 Electric and Volvo ECR25 Electric will be available in Q2 2023.

Is the electromobility construction range subsidised by the government?

Governmental subsidies are based on your own location, as different governments have different rules on emobility. Please contact your dealer to find out more.

What is the warranty for the electric machines?

All Compact Electric models are supplied with a 3 years/ 6000 hours* comprehensive warranty, using genuine Volvo parts.
The battery is covered with a 5 years/ 5000 hours* warranty, using genuine Volvo parts.

*Whichever is earlier. 

For further details, please contact your dealer.

Do you have more questions?

Please reach out to us by sending an email to emobilitysupport.volvoce@volvo.com

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