Electromobility Frequently asked questions

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 the customer's own CO2 reduction targets – are key drivers in pushing this technology forward. This along with the improved working conditions for those operating and working closely with the machines due to zero emissions, reduced noise and vibrations.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

The electric loader recovers energy while using the brake function of the electric drive system.

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

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. 

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.

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%. 

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.

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%. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.