Volvo Construction Equipment Launches Three New Electric Powered Machines

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has announced plans to introduce three new electric powered compact machines. These will include: • L20 Electric compact wheel loader • EC18 Electric compact excavator • ECR18 Electric compact excavator

During the virtual launch event for the new machines, Melker Jernberg, President of Volvo CE, said the company will now have the broadest range of electric powered equipment in the construction industry. Volvo CE will have a total of five electric machines available for the market—the previously launched ECR25 Electric compact excavator and Volvo L25 Electric wheel loader, and these three new machines.

“We are committed to building the world we want to live in,” he said. That means lowering carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and eliminating emissions, exhaust fumes and vibrations from equipment as it operates as well as reducing noise to create a more enjoyable operating experience for customers.

“These machines will deliver exactly that,” said Jernberg. “They will hopefully also deliver a lot of power into [customers’] business.”

Development of electric powered equipment is part of the company’s, and the Volvo Group as a whole, efforts to reduce emissions. In June 2021, the Volvo Group’s climate targets were approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). These include reaching net zero value chain greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040 and having at least 35% of its total range of vehicles be fully electric by 2030.

Volvo CE’s newest electric compact equipment is designed to provide enough power for a full working shift.

by Sara Jensen

Features of the new electric excavators and wheel loader

Based on the larger L25 Electric, Volvo CE’s new L20 Electric is a 4.5-ton wheel loader with a 1.8 ton payload and track width of 1.65 m (5.4 ft.). Paolo Mannesi, Global Product Manager for Compact Wheel Loaders at Volvo CE, said during the launch event that the L20 offers the full benefits of electrification like its predecessor including local emissions-free operation and extensive noise reduction.

He said these benefits open up new opportunities for job sites in which the machines can be utilized—particularly those areas where noise and emissions are of most concern.

The L20 Electric features a parallel-type linkage for improved visibility over the attachment being used as well as 100% parallel movements to suit use in fork applications. Also included on the machine is a new intuitive HMI (human machine interface) system designed for the company’s electric compact machines to help ensure optimized operation and comfort.

Two battery size options are available for the L20 Electric, a 33 kWh or 40 kWh battery pack. This allows customers to configure their machine based on their needed net operating time and planned charging schedule said Mannesi. The L20 Electric can be charged from 0-100% in up to 5 hours on public charging stations or using the charging cable provided with the wheel loader. Customers can expect to get up to 6 hours of active working time on a single charge with this new wheel loader.

A new parking brake concept with hill-hold functionality will be introduced with the L20 Electric, as well, said Mannesi, to help further improve operator comfort.

The new EC18 and ECR18 Electric compact excavators have many aspects in common with their diesel equivalent, said Clement Brette, Global Product Manager for Compact Excavators at Volvo CE, during the virtual launch event. These include use of the same machine structures, a high level of operator comfort, the same hydraulics systems and optimized lifting and digging capabilities.

Brette said the 1.8-ton EC18 Electric is a conventional machine available with a heated cab or a canopy. It has a battery capacity of 20 kWh and runtime range of 3-5 hours depending on the application. According to Volvo CE, the excavator’s variable undercarriage retracts to less than 1 m (3.3 ft.) and expands up to 1.35 m (4.4 ft.), allowing it to squeeze into the tightest of areas, while the machine’s design ensures the right frame corner, swing post and cylinder stay within the tracks’ width, resulting in maximum visibility and a reduced risk of machine damage when working alongside obstacles.

Meanwhile the ECR18 Electric is a short-radius equivalent of the EC18 Electric. This 1.8-ton excavator features a 12 mm (0.5 in.) overhang in the back and the front right corner stays within frame when rotating, ensuring maneuverability in tight spaces. This machine

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

is only available with a canopy. It has a 16 kWh battery capacity and a runtime range of 2.5-4 hours depending on application.

Both compact excavators feature 5 in. (127 mm) color displays with simplified menus to ensure ease of operation. The machines are compatible with Volvo’s range of fast chargers and can be recharged from 0-80% in up to 1 hour.

Brette said all of the electric machines come with charging cables which use the same protocols as public charging stations. They come with a type 2 plug and can be used on household outlets as well as workshop blue or red outlets, ensuring customers can recharge their equipment wherever they may be. The charging cables include built-in protection from overheating and other electrical risks.

The company has also developed a range of fast chargers to provide customers with even more charging flexibility.

Volvo CE plans to make the new electric machines available for production starting in the second quarter of 2022. Read an extended version of this article at www.oemoffhighway. com/21759721. |

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