Volvo unveils three new electric construction machines

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) continues to blaze a trail in the electrification of construction machinery, unveiling three new mid-size electric models that reinforce the company's commitment to sustainable innovation. The newly launched L120 Electric wheel loader, L90 Electric wheel loader, and EWR150 Electric wheeled excavator join Volvo CE's expanding portfolio of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), designed to support customers' environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals and their ambitions for a fossil-free future.

"Driving sustainable change across diverse equipment types and size classes is at the core of our mission to build a better world," said Elodie Guyot, Head of Electromobility Sales for Europe at Volvo CE. "While our dependable electric solutions are already proving their mettle in various compact and mid-size applications, we are thrilled to further deliver on our commitment with these three zero-emission innovations, spanning new lines and sizes, all benefiting from our industry-leading, high-performing electric technology."

The three new models made their global debut at the recently concluded Volvo Days 2024 event, where Volvo CE emphasised their role as a "cleaner, smarter choice for customers seeking to decarbonise their operations."

The 20-ton L120 Electric wheel loader boasts a 6-ton lifting capacity and offers quiet, precise, and vibration-free operation, making it a valuable asset across various job sites, including construction, ports, logistics centres, waste management, and recycling facilities. Depending on the workload, the L120 Electric delivers between 5-9 hours of continuous operation on a single charge. When recharging is required, the loader can reach 10-100% battery capacity in just one hour and 40 minutes with a 180 kW DC fast charger or Volvo's PU500 mobile power unit.

Similarly, the L90 Electric wheel loader features dedicated electric motors for propulsion and hydraulics, enabling full available power to both systems, resulting in faster response and shorter cycle times compared to conventional models. The L90 Electric offers 4-5 hours of continuous operation across most applications and up to 8 hours in lighter-duty tasks. It can charge from 0-100% in approximately 70 minutes using a 150 kW DC fast charger or the PU500 mobile power unit, or in about 6 hours with an AC on-board cable for overnight charging.

The 15-ton EWR150 Electric wheeled excavator stands out as a machine designed and built from the ground up as an electric vehicle, unlike conversions of diesel-powered models. Ideal for construction, road work, utility installation, and landscaping operations, the EWR150 Electric features an updated cab with improved telematics, comfort, and smoothness compared to its diesel-powered counterpart, the EWR150E.

While Volvo CE did not disclose detailed specifications regarding battery capacity, motor performance, or hydraulic systems for these new EVs, the company's past electric releases have met or exceeded the standards set by their diesel counterparts, raising expectations for these latest additions to the lineup.

Volvo CE's comprehensive and rapidly expanding range of electric equipment is complemented by innovative solutions for energy management and distribution, including mobile charging solutions, trailered battery energy storage systems, and on-site power generation options. These holistic offerings demonstrate the company's forward-thinking approach to electrification, ensuring that construction operations can maintain productivity while reducing their environmental impact.