Volvo zero-emissions construction range arrives in Australia

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) first unveiled its electric equipment range back in 2020 and now, the first units have touched down in Australia.

Volvo CE local distributor, CJD Equipment, debuted the machines at the Civil Contractors Federation of Western Australia's (CCFWA) golf event at the Joondalup Resort and Country Club earlier in December.

The initial line-up consists of the ECR18 and ECR25 electric compact excavator and the L25 electric wheel loader, with more models to follow in the new year.

The first three machines will be commercially available early in Quarter 1, 2024, CJD Equipment said.

"We are thrilled to announce the arrival of Volvo Construction Equipment's Electric machines in the Australian market,” said CJD Equipment Executive General Manager for Sales and Marketing, Grayden Leaver.

“Volvo CE's commitment to leading the industry in this space reflects their proactive approach to meeting market demands. Our partnership underscores a shared pride in leading the transition towards sustainable equipment, marking a pivotal step in shaping a more environmentally conscious future for construction."

The ECR18 and ECR25 excavators have operating weights of about 1.8 tonnes and 2.7 tonnes respectively, while the L25 is a compact wheel loader with an operating weight of about five tonnes and a 0.9 cubic-metre bucket.

As these machines are all battery powered, they emit zero harmful engine emissions and very low noise due to the lack of a conventional combustion engine. These traits allow the machines to work in confined spaces or in noise sensitive areas such as residential zones.

Volvo CE said these machines offer just as much power as their diesel counterparts, except with the benefits of low noise, low vibrations and no emissions.

Run time for the machines vary between four to eight hours, depending on applications.

“Being part of the transition from ICE (internal combustion engine) to what we see today is remarkable,” said Volvo Construction Equipment National Product Manager, Hayden Grant.

“Seeing what Volvo has been able to deliver with these Compact Construction Machines shows that it will be a bright future for our children and the dawn of a new chapter in Construction Equipment with Volvo.”

CJD Equipment also offers charging solutions for all Volvo CE’s zero-emission machines in Australia, with an off-board, fast-charge solution capable of charging equipment in around one hour, CJD Equipment said.

“The launch of Volvo’s emobility construction equipment in Australia marks a significant step forward for sustainable construction practices in the country,” said Volvo Construction Equipment Electric and Sustainable Technologies Product Manager, Reid Gibson.

“We believe these machines will be a game-changer for the industry, and we’re excited to see how they will transform construction projects across the country.”