Volvo expands electric equipment range

Volvo Construction Equipment has acted further on its commitment towards its ‘net-zero by 2040’ goal with its latest announcement on the addition of three new models to its electric range.

The L20 Electric wheel loader, EC18 Electric excavator and ECR18 Electric excavator are joining the existing L25 Electric loader and ECR25 Electric excavator launched last year. According to Volvo CE, these five models form the industry’s largest range of electric machines.

The L20 Electric is based on the larger L25 Electric model and features a 1.8-ton payload and a parallel-type linkage for greater visibility of the attachment.

Volvo CE adds the machine also has an outstanding lifting height as well as 100 per cent parallel movements that makes it ideal for fork applications.

The L20 Electric is expected to deliver up to six hours of active work per charge and comes with a choice of a 33kWh or 40kWh battery pack which Volvo CE says reduces maintenance by 30 per cent.

Other key features include a new automatic park brake with hill-hold functionality and a range of customisable work modes. Like its other siblings, the machine makes almost no noise during operations which allows for a more comfortable working environment.  

Another new addition is the 1.8-ton ECR18 Electric excavator that carries over tried-and-tested features from its diesel counterpart including stability and operator experience but offers low noise, low vibration and more responsive hydraulics due to the immediate torque, Volvo CE says.

It is capable of delivering an anticipated four hours of active work per charge, depending on the environment and task at hand. In addition, customers will benefit from an ultra-short tail radius that makes the machine ideal for work in tight spaces.

Finally, the EC18 Electric offers customers a cost-efficient compact excavator working in 1.8-ton applications, Volvo CE says. Its variable undercarriage retracts to less than 1m and expands up to 1.35m, allowing it to squeeze into the tightest of areas. The machine has been designed so the right frame corner, swing post and cylinder stay within the tracks’ width at all times, preventing components from being damaged when working alongside obstacles.

The EC18 comes with an enclosed cab while the ECR18 has an open cab.

All three machines come with an integrated on-board charger that allows them to charge from 0 to 100 per cent in under six hours. With an optional fast off-board charger, the L20 Electric will fully charge in under just two hours, while the ECR18 Electric and EC18 Electric will charge up to 80 per cent in 1.25 hours.

Another benefit of these machines is their ability to be utilised outside of normal working hours, when the use of conventional diesel machines are frowned upon due to the noise and engine emissions. The lack of engine fumes also allows these machines to work safely indoors without the need for costly fume extraction systems.

All five electric machines will soon come with a new fleet management solution designed specifically for the remote monitoring of electric machines – named EMMA (Electric Machine Management Application).

EMMA will provide valuable insights into battery level and remaining working hours, charging status, geographic location and much more to help customers boost uptime.

Volvo CE says the latest additions represent a big step forward in the company’s plan to reach net zero value chain greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 – alongside development of hydrogen fuel cell solutions and more sustainable internal combustion engine products. It also contributes towards the wider Volvo Group’s target of having at least 35 per cent of its total range of vehicles fully electric by 2030.

“We are proud to be leading our industry’s fight against climate change as the manufacturer with the world’s largest range of electric machines,” says President of Volvo CE, Melker Jernberg.

“Not only are we delivering real-world solutions for a more sustainable way of working but we are adding further power to our customers’ business with the widest possible range of choice to best fit their needs.”

Volvo CE has now opened up all five models for reservation but only in 12 European countries, before further expanding to other markets.

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