Electromobility Frequently asked questions

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.

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

Volvo CE will introduce 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.

What electric machines are currently available?

Initially Volvo CE’s electric equipment offer consists of a short radius compact excavator, Volvo ECR25 Electric, and a compact wheel loader, Volvo L25 Electric.

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 will 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.

How long will 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 an 8 hour working day (4 hours of runtime within an 8 hour typical day of work) with one single charge.

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

With the optional fast charging device (380V-420V three phase), it will take less than 2 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 battery will take 12 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 will take less than 1 hour for the ECR25 Electric to charge to a level of 80%.

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

How do I recharge the battery for electric construction equipment?

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

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

No, it is not possible to use the ECR25 electric excavator 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?

Both the 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.

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?

The electric excavator and wheel loaders will be available to test mid-2020 for selected markets in Europe and further countries will follow from 2021 onwards.​

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

Initially we will launch the electric construction machines in a limited number of countries. Click this link to see the latest list of countries, prebook an electric machine, or register your interest to get information about when prebooking and ordering will be available in other countries.

How can I preorder a new electric wheel loader or electric excavator?

Please register your interest through our online prebooking. Your nearest dealer will then make contact with you.

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.

Payment

What payment options do you support?

We support Visa, Mastercard and Amex. Additional payment methods are available in some countries.

Is the prebooking payment of the electric construction equipment secure?

Yes. The prebooking payment is taken on our behalf by Adyen. Adyen is a major provider of payment services and complies with all security and privacy obligations.

How will the payment be presented on my statement?

If the payment has gone through it should show on your card statement as either *Volvo or *Adyen (our payment services provider). If you still cannot find the payment, contact emobilitysupport.volvoce@volvo.com.

How do I get a refund on my Volvo electric wheel loader or electric excavator fee?

Your prebooking fee will always be refunded when you purchase a machine. However, you can also cancel your prebooking at any point. To do this, please contact emobilitysupport.volvoce@volvo.com with your prebooking reference number.

Who can I contact regarding my payment?

You can contact us via emobilitysupport.volvoce@volvo.com.

Prebooking

In which countries am I able to prebook an electric construction machine?

Initially we will launch the electric construction machines in a limited number of countries. Click this link to see the latest list of countries, prebook an electric machine, or register your interest to get information about when prebooking and ordering will be available in other countries.

What am I paying for with this prebooking fee?

You are transferring a refundable fee that allows you to be one of the first to order an electric construction vehicle when we open for ordering.

Will I be contacted by a local dealer after prebooking?

Yes, we will transfer your prebooking information to an authorised Volvo CE dealer based on your geographical location.

How many electric construction vehicles can I order?

Due to limited availability you will be able to prebook one ECR25 Electric and/or one L25 Electric.

What is included in the price shown on the website for electric excavators and electric wheel loaders?

The price shown on the website is the recommended retail price for a standard machine. Your dealer may offer additional options, specifications and local financing options.

When can I configure my electric construction vehicle?

You will be able to configure the ECR25 Electric and the L25 Electric at the time of placing the purchase order with your dealer.

Will I receive updates and information about when it is time to order from a local dealer after I have prebooked?

You will receive a confirmation e-mail with the details of your prebooking.
We will transfer your prebooking information to an authorised Volvo CE dealer based on your geographical location.
Volvo CE or your dealer will keep you updated regarding estimated order time and other details.

What will happen with the prebooking fee?

Your prebooking fee will always be refunded when you order an electric construction vehicle. If you decide not to place an order or you cancel your prebooking at any point, you will also be refunded. For cancellations and refunds, please contact emobilitysupport.volvoce@volvo.com (Customer helpdesk).

Does prebooking guarantee that I can order an electric construction machine?

There will be a limited amount of electric construction vehicles open for prebooking, so unfortunately we cannot guarantee the possibility to order an electric machine to all customers. Please note that your prebooking fee will always be refunded.

How will I know when I can place an order for an electric construction vehicle?

The dealer will contact you when it is possible to place an order for an electric construction vehicle. From that point you will have 14 calendar days to place your order. If you decide not to order you will lose your place in the queue. Your prebooking fee will be refunded in both cases.

When can I order the electric excavator and electric loader?

Ordering is expected to open in Q3 2020.

What purchase options will there be for the Volvo CE emobility range?

The Volvo CE emobility range will be able to be purchased and/or leased. Your dealer will inform you on what options are available for you in your country.

Where can I order and buy the new electric construction vehicles?

If you wish to proceed with the order for a new electric construction vehicle, the purchase will be governed by a separate agreement between you and the Volvo CE dealer.

When will you start the production of Volvo ECR25 Electric and Volvo L25 Electric?

Production of the ECR25 Electric and L25 Electric is estimated to start during the second half of 2020.

How can I contact Volvo CE about emobility?

You can contact us via emobilitysupport.volvoce@volvo.com.