Electric Excavator From Volvo CE Opens New Age In Construction

  • Editorial Team
  • Excavators
  • 5 June 2024

Electric Equipment in the construction industry is soon going to change the way of construction. In coming years, the equipment industry will also be reshaped with more fuel-efficient and green technologies such as electric or hybrid machines. Many manufacturers are in their experimental phases of launching fully electric-driven equipment and are likely to reshape the industry.

Volvo has recently tested its new excavator for the field test and shared the results in a report. The field tests of Volvo Construction Equipment’s (Volvo CE) 23-ton EC230 Electric excavator have yielded encouraging results. The EC230 Electric, which is now officially available for purchase in North America, is a major advancement in environmentally friendly building technology.

Reducing Costs and Emissions with the EC230 Electric Digger 

One of the primary goals of launching electric-driven equipment is to reduce the carbon footprint on the environment. The EC230 Electric excavator from Volvo CE is made to address two important issues facing the construction sector: lowering emissions and operating expenses. The EC230 was used to load trucks with export material from an underground tunnel as part of a recent test project with the massive construction company Skanska. The project involved renovating a transportation route in Los Angeles.

Skanska Test Project Produced Outstanding Results

The EC230 Electric excavator proved its efficacy during the 90-day test period by cutting hourly carbon emissions by 66% and hourly costs by 74%. This notable decrease proved that the excavator’s capacity to have a considerable positive environmental influence on the business while offering reasonably priced options.

The significance of these results was underscored by Dr Ray Gallant, Vice President of Sustainability and Productivity Services at Volvo CE:

“The cost savings are just as important because adoption will lag if these solutions don’t make financial sense in addition to the emissions reduction.”

Pilot California Project 

Volvo CE and Sunbelt Rentals worked together on an additional ninety-day pilot project in California to test the EC230 Electric excavator further. The electric excavator produced an 83% cost savings and an 80% reduction in carbon emissions when compared to its diesel-operated variant, and the results were similarly spectacular.

“This project showed that, in just over 800 hours of use, the fuel savings and carbon reduction offset that higher carbon footprint associated with the machine’s production compared to its diesel equivalent,” Gallant further said.

This demonstrates the durability and long-term advantages of electric machinery in the building sector.

Notable Effect in Stockholm Test Drive 

Significant changes were also made to a Stockholm, Sweden, construction site using the EC230 Electric excavator. 1,808 tons of carbon emissions were reduced as a result of the machine. This is roughly equal to 180 Swedish people’s annual emissions. On the other hand, 23% of the carbon reduction in this facility came via electric equipment, while 46% came from fueling with hydrotreated vegetable oil. Reusing materials and increasing transport efficiency accounted for the remaining reduction. This is the mere example of the efficiency that electric-driven excavators for sale can bring to the industry followed by the adoption of green technology.

Progressing More Electric Construction Machinery 

At a press conference held at ACT Expo, Dr. Gallant discussed the three crucial steps that must be followed in order to transform the industry with new technologies like the EC230 Electric excavator.

Proving Performance

Using data from long-term studies and pilot testing on Volvo CE’s small electric machines, showcasing the equipment’s capabilities and advantages. One of the best instances of this phase is the EC230 Electric excavator’s latest tests.

Creating Infrastructure for Widespread Adoption of Electric Equipment

Volvo CE has so announced two new collaborations for charging goods. The initial collaboration is for a Level 2 portable charger for small devices, with Portable Electric. The second is for high-power DC portable charging solutions through Utility Innovation Group (UIG).

Research & development

Always learning new things and creating uses for battery-electric devices where they are more efficient than internal combustion engines. Gallant noted that the main advantages of electric machines are that they produce no pollutants and drastically reduce noise and vibration. These benefits are especially beneficial in urban and residential construction sites where noise pollution and the environment are important considerations.

Are there any upcoming projects aligned?

The sector is poised for a transformation as electric construction equipment, such as the EC230 Electric excavator, becomes more widely used. Early adopters have already offered insightful comments, highlighting special chances and approaches that make the most of electric-driven equipment.

According to Gallant, “The biggest advantages of electric machines are the elimination of emissions and the notable reduction in noise and vibration.” These advantages are greatly valued in a wide range of applications where this equipment is performing successfully. Early adopters have provided us with special possibilities and fixes.

Take Notes

The EC230 Electric excavator from Volvo CE is opening the door to a more economical and environmentally friendly future in the construction industry. Its demonstrated capacity to efficiently cut emissions and operating expenses is evidence of the potential of electric machinery to completely change the sector. Electric construction equipment usage is expected to pick up speed as support infrastructure develops further and new uses are investigated, putting a greener future closer to reality.

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