Volvo releases first electric road compactor

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is introducing its latest electric machine – the DD25 Electric road compactor – at the upcoming CONEXPO trade show in Las Vegas.

The newest addition is Volvo CE’s first electric machine designed specifically for the asphalt industry.

The electric driveline of the DD25 Electric is based upon the same architecture and components found on Volvo CE’s ECR25 Electric compact excavator and L25 Electric compact wheel loader, both launched in 2020.

Its zero-emission operation makes the DD25 Electric ideal for sensitive or urban environments with strict emission regulations and for organisations who are looking to meet their own sustainability goals.

Zero tailpipe emissions also mean a cleaner and more enjoyable work environment for operators, site teams and passers-by.

The DD25 Electric can operate for a full shift on a single charge depending upon the type of job and intensity of the work cycle, according to Volvo CE, and has the same charging solutions as the ECR25 Electric and L25 Electric.

The machine comes with an integrated on-board charger which enables charging from 0 to 100 per cent in as little as three hours depending on AC power level. With an optional off-board DC fast charger, this can be achieved in little over an hour, and this also offers a practical solution to top up the machine’s charge during lunch breaks.

The DD25 Electric offers 24kW of power, which is 30 per cent more than the conventional DD25B, Volvo CE said. The result is a more responsive machine in terms of speed and vibrations, which performs better on grade, thanks to the size of its components, and better at high elevations, when compared to a diesel machine which loses power as you increase altitude, the company added.

Volvo CE also said that with 360-degree visibility and high-frequency compaction, operators can achieve a smooth finish asphalt surface with speed. Frequency can be adjusted from 3500vpm/55Hz to 4000vpm/67Hz to cater for different applications.

Maintenance requirements are significantly reduced as there are no engines to service and the electric components, batteries and motors are all maintenance free, Volvo CE added.

This latest innovation is an important step in Volvo CE’s ambition to reach net zero value chain greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, and is part of Volvo Group’s target to have at least 35 per cent of its total range of vehicles fully electric by 2030.

 “As a global leader in construction solutions, delivering premium products and services, we not only have a responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint, but we are committed to leading the way and providing real-life solutions for our customers that will help them meet their own sustainability goals,” said Volvo CE North America Vice President of Product Management and Productivity, Ray Gallant.

“We are proud to expand our portfolio of electric machines and extend our offering to the road segment.”

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