Electromobility Frequently asked questions

Electric Machines

What electric construction machinery is currently available?

Volvo CE’s electric construction equipment offer consists of seven models: three compact excavators Volvo ECR18 Electric, Volvo EC18 Electric and Volvo ECR25 Electric, two compact wheel loaders Volvo L20 Electric and Volvo L25 Electric. We also have two mid-size electric construction vehicles: the 20-ton wheel loader L120H Electric conversion and the 23-ton excavator EC230 Electric.

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

No, we have replaced combustion engine with electric batteries system. The electric construction equipment have a fully electric power source and hydraulic cylinders and pumps.

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

The battery in Volvo CE's electric compact wheel loaders lasts for approximately 5 hours of active operation which is sufficient to perform a full day's work in normal working conditions. The battery in Volvo CE's mid-size electric wheel loader L120H Electric Conversion lasts for approximately 4 hours of active operation and with a single charge during lunch break you can work a full day.

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

The battery in Volvo CE's electric compact excavators and Volvo CE's mid-size electric excavator EC230 Electric lasts for approximately 4 hours of active operation and with a single charge during lunch break you can work a full day. How charging works on sites is shown in this video.

Does the electric wheel loader recover any energy during operation?

The electric loader recovers energy 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 Volvo CE's electric excavators and electric loaders has been successfully tested both in cold and warm ambient temperatures.

How can I remotely monitor the battery status of a Volvo electrical construction equipment such as the battery powered excavator or electric loader?

Our Electric Machine Management Application 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. 

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

With the optional fast charging device (380-420V three phase), it takes approximately 1.5 hours for the electric compact wheel loaders to charge to a level of 80%.
With the standard Type 2 charger (220-240V) which comes along with the machines, the electric compact wheel loaders take approximately 4.5 hours to charge to a level of 100%. Standard (overnight) charging solution (with Type 2 plug) depends on specific Country grid connection.

How long does it take to charge the battery on the L120H Electric conversion wheel loader?

With the optional fast DC charging device (380-420V three phase), it takes approximately 1.5 hours to charge L120H Electric conversion to 80%. With the standard AC charger (three phase) which comes along with the machines, it takes approximately 10-12 hours to charge L120H Electric conversion to 100%. 

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

With the optional fast charging device (380V-420V three phase), it takes approximately 1 hour for electric compact excavators to charge to a level of 80%.
With the standard Type 2 charger (220V-240V) which comes along with the machines, the electric compact excavators take approximately 6 hours to charge to a level of 100%. Standard (overnight) charging solution (with Type 2 plug) depends on specific country grid connection. You can see our charger options in this video.

How long does it take to charge the battery on the EC230 Electric excavator?

With the optional fast DC charging device (380-420V three phase), it takes approximately 1,5 h to charge EC230 Electric to 80%. With the standard AC charger (three phase) which comes along with the machines, it takes approximately 10-12 h to charge EC230 Electric to 100%. 

What fast charger options are available for Volvo electric compact excavators and electric compact wheel loaders?

When it comes to fast charging devices, Volvo currently offers three different fast charger options for the electric compact equipment product range. Video on all Volvo CE's charging options.

9,6kW Indoor Fast Charger electric battery charger:
Fast charger commonly used in industrial purposes, designed for indoor use.

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.

What fast charger options are available for the larger electric construction equipment?

When it comes to fast charging devices, Volvo currently offers three different fast charger options for the electric mid-size equipment:

40kW Portable/Moveable Charger:
High-power charger, optimal for increased daily usage. This one can be easily moved on the jobsite/workshop.

150kW Fast Charger:
Fast charger mainly used for charging the machine at the lunch break allowing to use the machine for a complete day.

How to charge compact electric construction equipment?

The electric compact wheel loader and the electric compact excavator can be plugged into a normal household socket, CEE socket and public charging terminals using Type 2 cable to charge the battery. For the optional fast charger, a 3 phase supply is needed. How to charge Volvo CE's electric compact wheel loader L25 Electric and How to charge Volvo CE's electric compact excavator ECR25.

Is the fast charger charged with a diesel generator?

No, it’s not charged with a diesel generator since Volvo CE is commited to driving sustainability. The fast chargers are connected to the grid.

How to charge electric mid-size construction machines?

Our 23-tonne electric excavator EC230 Electric and our 20-tonne electric wheel loader L120H Electric Conversion charge with DC inlet (CCS2), which is the same as many on-road vehicles.

Is there less maintenance on the Volvo electric construction equipment?

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

Can the electric excavator be operated while plugged into the grid?

No, it is not possible to use our electric construction vehicles while charging batteries.

Should I wait until the battery is empty before charging?

No, in older batteries lead-acid or nickel-cadmium technology was used where the recommendation was to wait until the battery was empty. However, batteries in Volvo CE's electric construction machines use lithium-ion technology, which have no memory effect. Lithium ion technology allows you to initiate charging process at any stage. The lifetime of lithium ion batteries profits when they are not always fully discharged and recharged. Our recommendation is to connect the machine to a charger whenever machine is not used (breaks during work, lunch breaks, etc.). This gives a possibility to extend working time of our machines during the day.

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

ECR25 Electric, ECR18 Electric, EC18 Electric, L25 Electric, L20 Electric, EC230 Electric and the L120H Electric Conversion are based on conventional construction equipment design. Only the electric components are new in the vehicles. With its new technology, the electric machines deliver similar performance to their diesel versions.

Which are optimal applications for electric excavators and electric loaders?

Volvo CE's electric construction machines can be used in the same applications as their diesel equivalent but with the extra advantages that electric construction vehicles offer. New possibilities are presented such as working in zero emission zones, 24/7 operation in urban areas, indoors, underground and in confined areas.

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 which are often a problem today, such as within indoor demolition, farming or food processing applications.

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

No, the batteries cannot be easily stolen as the machine is carefully designed to ensure that the battery is protected.

Can I test drive an electric wheel loader or excavator?

You can test drive most of our models at the local dealer. Which models will be available for test driving varies from country to country. Please contact your local dealer for further information.

Where can I buy an electric wheel loader or electric excavator?

The range of Volvo electric machines may differ per market. Please contact your local dealer to find out more.

Is the electric construction machinery 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 compact machines?

The Volvo CE's electric compact machines are supplied with a 2 year full machine warranty* and 2 years free servicing* using Genuine Volvo parts.

After the end of the initial 2 year full machine warranty, the battery and electronic components can be covered free of charge against defects for a further 3 years.*

*For further details please contact your dealer.

Why should I invest in electric construction equipment?

An electric solution will open up for new business opportunities. It is becoming increasingly common that requirements are placed in construction projects to operate with zero emission equipment. investing in electric construction machines enables your business to work in emission free zones, noise sensitive areas, outside of standard hours and indoors.

Which customers can you reach specifically with electric construction machinery?

High interest in sustainability and zero emissions construction solutions are commonly seen from governmental bodies and municipalities, utility, energy and water companies, schools and universities, waste and recycling industry, Indoor construction and demolition, state and national parks, cemetaries, organic farming, wineries, landscaping, golf courses and ski resorts.

What type of sales models do you offer?

It is easy to find a financing solutions that fits your needs. We offer a wide range of sales models: for example renting and leasing construction equipment. Please contact your local dealer for more information.

Does Volvo CE have an electric mid-size excavator?

Yes, Volvo CE is among the first construction companies to introduce a mid-size electric excavator. Our 23-tonne excavator EC230 Electric shows that it is possible to have a totally electric construction site.

Does Volvo CE have an electric mid-size wheel loader?

Yes, Volvo CE offers a mid-size 20 tonne electric wheel loader, the L120H Electric Conversion, offering all the performance of it's diesel equivalent with the benefit of doing so emission free.

What is an electric wheel loader?

An electric wheel loader is a wheel loader which has an electric motor instead of a diesel engine. While there is no difference in performance between electric models and their diesel equivalent, the electric machines offer a lot of additional benefits such as being zero emissions, and reducing noise and vibrations.

What is an electric excavator?

An electric excavator is an excavator which has en electric motor instead of a diesel engine. While there is no difference in performance between electric models and their diesel equivalent, the electric construction machines come with a lot of benefits such as being zero emissions, and reducing noise and vibrations. as shown in this video of EC230 Electric

What are the most common battery types used in Volvo CE machines at present?

Volvo CE uses different battery types depending on the markets and products. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are the most widely used battery type in our battery electric machines.

Why does Volvo Group invest in its own battery manufacturing production plants?

The development of these battery production plants is another step forward towards our Science Based Target commitment and to achieving 35% electric machine sales by 2030. This will also give Volvo Group better influence and transparency regarding the sourcing of the minerals.

Considering the carbon footprint of battery production, does it make sense from a sustainability point of view to go electric?

Yes, because the share of emissions from the use phase of our products accounts for 70 to 95% (depending on the product size and hours in use) of the products' total climate emissions over its entire life cycle. The increased climate impact of the battery manufacturing of electrical products increases marginally compared to how much climate impact we reduce in the use phase of the life cycle.

What is the impact on the carbon footprint when electrifying your fleet of machines?

Depending on the energy mix used to charge the batteries, the emissions from the use phase are reduced by up to 95%. The manufacturing of an electric machine results in a higher carbon footprint from the production phase compared to a conventional machine, due to the production of the batteries. Estimates indicate a potential of 80-90% reduction of the carbon emissions over the entire life cycle (including raw materials to end of life), compared to a conventional machine.

How long can a battery's second life be expected to last?

The battery lifetime depends on the battery itself and the application it is used for. Depending on the battery technology, a battery can have a lifetime of 3000 charging cycles while another will last for 6000 charging cycles. On average, we are generally calculating for a battery lifetime of 6-8 years, but in certain applications, like the 48V batteries used in smaller compact machines, it could be up to 10 years.