Electromobility Frequently asked questions

Electric Machines

What electric machines are currently available?

Initially Volvo CE’s electric equipment offer consists of one EC18, two short radius compact excavator, Volvo ECR18 & ECR25 Electric, and two compact wheel loaders, Volvo L20 & L25 Electric.

What is the warranty for the electric machines?

All Compact Electric models are supplied with a 2 year comprehensive warranty* and 4 additional years of Powertrain and electronics coverage.

*For further details please contact your dealer

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

The electric compact excavators have a fully electric power source and hydraulic cylinders and pumps. The compact wheel loaders have one electric pump to drive one hydraulic motor for all work hydraulics and one electric motor for drive. The electric compact wheel loaders are actually electric driven.

How long does 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 4 to 6 hours one single charge which suits most applications.

How long does 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 4 to 6 hours (4 hours of runtime within an 8 hour typical day of work) with one single charge.

Does the electric wheel loader recover any energy during operation?

The electric loader recovers energy in all driving conditions 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 the Volvo electric excavator and electric loader has been successfully tested on ambient temperatures between 14 to 104F (-10°C and 40°C).

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 (‘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 later in 2022 as a BETA version with a free of charge trial period.

Find out more >

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

AC Level 1 charging on 110V within 24 hours
AC level 2 charging on 208 to 240V within 6 hours, this is the recommended charging level and on an NEMA 14-50 outlet
DCFC (DC Fast Charging) is optional and charging time is reduced to 2 hours, here a 3 phase 480V power supply is required

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

AC Level 1 charging on 110V within 24 hours
AC level 2 charging on 208 to 240V within 6 hours, this is the recommended charging level and on an NEMA 14-50 outlet
DCFC (DC Fast Charging) is optional and charging time is reduced to 2 hours, here a 3 phase 480V power supply is required

Which electric battery fast charger options are available for Volvo electric excavators and electric wheel loaders?

When it comes to e-mobility fast charging devices, Volvo currently offers three different fast charger options for the electric product range:

• 9,6kW Indoor Fast Charger electric battery charger:
  Fast charger commonly used in industrial purposes, designed for indoor use.
  One setup for US requiring 3 phase 480V input and one variant for Canada which requires 3 phase 600V input
  
  
• 17,3kW Indoor Fast Charger electric battery charger:
  High-power fast charger, optimal for increased daily usage, designed for indoor use.
  Currently only available for 3 phase 480V input

How do I recharge the battery for electric construction equipment?

The electric wheel loader and the electric excavator will be delivered with an onboard charger and the charging cable. With those, the machines can be plugged into a normal household grid to charge the battery or to a NEMA 14-50 208 to 240V outlet.
For the optional DCFC fast charger of the electric wheel loader battery or the electric excavator battery, a 3 phase 480V (3 phase 600V for some areas in Canada) 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.

How does age affect the battery capacity for electrical construction equipment?

The batteries used in our electric construction equipment are designed to last the full life expectancy of the machine.

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 or better performance to their diesel versions. Most operators stated that the electric machines feel stronger compared to the diesel equivalent machines.

Which are optimal applications for compact electric excavators and electric loaders?

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.

Does the lack of noise from the electric construction equipment engine have an impact on site?

In most sites, the lack of engine noise from the electric construction machines is an advantage 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.

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?

Our current models Volvo ECR25 Electric and compact wheel loader Volvo L25 Electric are available to test in areas 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 ramp up of deliveries.

Is the electromobility construction range subsidized 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.