Volvo Construction Equipment announces the availability of three new electric equipment models, including the L20 Electric compact wheel loader and the EC18 and ECR18 Electric compact excavators, bringing the electric lineup to five machines — with the inclusion of the L25 Electric compact wheel loader and ECR25 Electric compact excavator.
Volvo CE also revealed that the 20-ton EC230 Electric excavator will soon be arriving to North America for demonstrations, which the manufacturer called a significant advancement in the electrification of larger construction equipment. Deliveries of the three newest models are expected in 2023.
“Off-road equipment is the next frontier in electric vehicles, and Volvo CE is proud to lead the way in the construction industry’s sustainability journey,” said Stephen Roy, president, Region North America at Volvo CE. “Fleets need cleaner solutions to meet growing regulations and societal demand, and now we have five electric compact models for our customers to choose from.”
The L20 Electric compact wheel loader features a 1.8-ton payload and a parallel-type linkage (Z-bar linkage optional), optimized lifting height and 100% parallel movements. Expected to deliver up to six hours of active work per charge, the machine comes with a choice of battery pack (33kWh or 40kWh) and reportedly reduces maintenance by 30%. Operator comfort is enhanced by near-silent operation, a new automatic park brake with hill-hold functionality, and a range of customizable work modes.
The 1.8-ton EC18 and short-swing ECR18 Electric compact excavators provide the same best-in-class stability and operator experience as their diesel counterparts, according to the company, with the benefit of low noise, low vibration, and more responsive hydraulics due to the immediate torque. Both deliver four hours of active work per charge depending on the environment and task, and the ECR18’s ultra-short tail radius is ideal for confined spaces.
All three machines come with an integrated on-board charger, allowing them to charge from zero to 100% in under six hours using the J1772 AC Charging cable on a 240-volt outlet – the same plug and charging system on a typical electric vehicle. With an optional off-board fast charger, the L20 Electric will fully charge in under just two hours, while the ECR18 Electric and EC18 Electric will charge up to 80% in under one hour.
Volvo CE also provided updates on how the L25 and ECR25 Electric machines have performed in real-world settings and the diverse applications in which owners plan to use them. These include applications where diesel machines are common, such as an underground fiber optic installation in Canada and property development in California. They also include jobs where diesel exhaust and noise create challenges, like maintenance and building projects at the Toronto Zoo, landscaping at a national wildlife refuge near Washington, D.C., indoor demolition in California and agricultural work in New England.
“The lack of diesel fumes and low noise are great when working near animals or in residential areas,” said Roy. “And the fact that these machines perform the same or better than their diesel counterparts is really exciting. Electric machines may open new opportunities for customers by allowing them to operate in noise-sensitive areas and outside of standard hours, as well as on low-carbon projects and indoors.”
