Quiet operation around the clock
After an extended test period, the conclusion is clear: the electric wheel loader has exceeded expectations both in terms of capacity, operator comfort and operating economy.
What made you want to test an electric wheel loader?
“We were contacted by Volvo CE because they wanted to test the machine in an environment with continuous operation. At first, we were skeptical about battery capacity and charging, but at the same time we wanted to learn more about electric machines before our next machine replacement cycle, which we do every two years,” says Ole Reidar Warp, Production Manager at Norgips.
The machine replaced a significant share of diesel consumption in production, where a traditional wheel loader normally uses between 6 and 10 liters of diesel per hour.
How has the experience been?
According to Warp, the skepticism disappeared quickly once the machine was put into operation.
“What surprised us the most was how little of an issue charging actually became. We have never had to switch back to a diesel machine because the battery was empty. The machine works very well for batch-based operations with charging between work cycles.”
The Volvo CE L90 Electric was primarily used for feeding raw plaster into production, but also moving materials, loading operations, waste handling and some snow removal. Operators especially highlighted the low noise levels, fast hydraulic response, and high comfort.
“It is quicker and quieter than the diesel machine. We can also perform more work at night because the noise levels towards nearby neighbors are much lower,” says Warp.
A real eye-opener
For Norgips, the test period provided a real eye-opener regarding electric construction equipment. Lower emissions, reduced fuel costs and an improved working environment make electric wheel loaders an attractive option for future investments.
“In fact, several of the operators already want the electric machine back. That says quite a lot about our experience,” Warp concludes.
About Norgips, Norway
- Number of employees: 140 at Norgips – 90 in Norway – 44,000 in the Knauf Group
- Number of machines: 3 Volvo wheel loaders
- Main business activity: Production of plaster
Part of the Knauf Group. The group aims to reduce global emissions by 50 percent by 2032. The company continuously works to reduce its CO2 footprint and therefore sees electrification as an important measure.
Electric in action
Five customer perspectives on the Volvo L90 Electric
From heavy lifting and waste handling to logistics and winter maintenance, the Volvo L90 Electric is already proving its value across a wide range of applications. Hear directly from customers who have integrated the machine into their daily operations—and what they’ve discovered along the way.
