Construction Equipment
Global
Here you will find information about the electric machines.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Volvo CE has been researching and developing electric and hybrid technology since as far back as 1998.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Volvo CE’s electric equipment offer consists of three compact excavators, Volvo ECR25 Electric, Volvo ECR18 Electric, Volvo EC18 Electric and two compact wheel loaders, Volvo L25 Electric and Volvo L20 Electric.
The electric machines have a fully electric power source and hydraulic cylinders and pumps.
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.
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.
The electric loader recovers energy in all driving conditions while using the brake function of the electric drive system.
The performance of the Volvo electric excavator and electric loader has been successfully tested on ambient temperatures between -10°C and 40°C.
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 2022 as a BETA version with a free of charge trial period.
With the optional fast charging device (380V-420V three phase), it takes 1,3 Hours for the L20 Electric and 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 and the L20 Electric takes 4 Hours to charge to a level of 80%.
With the optional fast charging device (380V-420V three phase), it takes less than 1 hour for the ECR25 Electric, 1 hour for the ECR18 Electric and 1 hour and 15 minutes for the EC18 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%. The ECR18 takes under 5 hours and the EC18 takes about 6 hours to charge to a level of 100%.
When it comes to e-mobility fast charging devices, Volvo currently offers three different fast charger options for the electric product range:
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 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 is needed.
This is one of the major advantages of the electric construction equipment. Electrical components, batteries and motors, are maintenance free.
The batteries used in our electric construction equipment are designed to last the full life expectancy of the machine.
No, it is not possible to use the electric excavator while charging batteries.
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.
ECR25 Electric, ECR18 Electric, EC18 Electric, L25 Electric and L20 Electric are based on conventional construction equipment design. Only the electric components are new in the vehicles. With its new technology the ECR25 Electric, ECR18 Electric, EC18 Electric, L25 Electric and L20 Electric can deliver similar performance to their diesel versions.
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.
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.
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.
Our current models Volvo ECR25 Electric and compact wheel loader 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 L20 Electric, Volvo EC18 Electric and Volvo ECR18 Electric will be available in Q3 - 2022 when we have started to deliver the machines in each market.
Initially we have launched the electric construction machines in a limited number of countries. Click this link to see the latest list of countries, reserve an electric machine, or register your interest to get information about when ordering will be available in other countries.
You can make your reservation online. Your nearest dealer will then make contact with you.
Governmental subsidies are based on your own location, as different governments have different rules on emobility. Please contact your dealer to find out more.
Please reach out to us by sending an email to emobilitysupport.volvoce@volvo.com
