Volvo CE’s electric avenue towards all-electric compact machines

359 Volvo CE says it will launch ranges of all-electric compact excavators and compact wheeled loaders. While a number of other firms already offer electric machines for these categories, Volvo CE is taking the further step of halting development of new diesel-driven machines for these categories.

A number of all-electric machines are due to be unveiled at the 688 bauma 2019 exhibition, with further models then being introduced in stages over the following year.

The compact excavators will be from the EC15-EC28 models, for the 1.5-2.8tonne classes. Meanwhile the wheeled loaders will be for the L20-L28 models.

The firm says that this move follows a favourable reaction from the market after the unveiling of a number of concept machines in recent years, and by working closely with customers. The prototype Volvo CE mini excavator unveiled two years ago featured an electric motor, with power from a battery pack. The machine also had a novel electric actuation system rather than hydraulics to move the bucket, boom and dipper stick.

However Volvo CE will retain the use of diesel power for its larger machines, explaining that electric propulsion and battery technology is suited to its smaller equipment.

Volvo CE’s president, Melker Jernberg commented, “The technology we have been developing is now sufficiently robust and this, together with changes in customer behaviour and a heightened regulatory environment, means that now is the right time to commit to electromobility in our compact equipment ranges in the future.”