How Volvo CE Is Leading the Electric Transformation in Heavy Equipment

At the Volvo Days 2024 event in Eskilstuna, Sweden, Volvo CE highlighted its commitment to investing in sustainability, safety and connectivity for a better future. Electrification was at the heart of the event with the company’s biggest and most ambitious launch, consisting of a wide range of electric solutions, as well as conventional ones. After a strong 2023, Volvo CE expects this year to be tough as we are moving into slower economic growth globally, but is determined to continue developing innovative and sustainable solutions for the industry.

Volvo CE’s New Products

The newly launched products include a modernized range of excavators equipped with advanced technology, Volvo’s first electric wheeled excavator and a broad range of charging solutions.

“In this time of rapid change, the global community needs the construction industry to step up and meet societal challenges with safer, smarter and more sustainable solutions. That is why we at Volvo CE are taking a leading role in driving this transformation, investing and partnering across the entire value chain to push boundaries in the right direction. At Volvo Days, we display our most ambitious response yet to those challenges, working together with customers to move our industry forward.”

said Melker Jernberg, Head of Volvo CE.

New Excavators

Volvo CE has unveiled a new generation of innovative excavators, the Volvo EC500, EC400 and EC230. The range, which also includes the EC210 and ECR145, has been equipped with intelligent technology in a new electro-hydraulic system and improved human-machine interface (HMI), and designed for increased fuel efficiency, productivity, safety, and total cost of ownership.

The newest models have been revamped to be more spacious and ergonomic than ever before as part of an ambitious design concept to help customers achieve outstanding results. The new range features a new operator environment with improved human-machine interface (HMI).

First to be introduced in Europe and Turkey are the newest EC500, EC400 and EC230 crawler excavators – all of which benefit from the same impressive range of technologically advanced features and were unveiled at Volvo Days 2024 in Eskilstuna, Sweden.

Read more about Volvo CE’s new excavator range.

Rigid Haulers

Also among the displays at Volvo Days was an exclusive sneak peek at the all-new A40 coming later in the year, and the launch of the R60 and R70 rigid haulers, signaling an expansion of hauling options for customers.

Both the 55-ton payload R60 and 65-ton payload R70 rigid haulers are designed to help drive down total cost of ownership and introduce the latest comfort and safety features.

While the R60 has a body volume of 36.04m³, the R70 offers 42.4m³. They may be smaller in size, but fans of the flagship R100 will see many of the same features and benefits of the latest E-generation in the new machines.

Just like other conventional Volvo CE machines, the new additions to the portfolio can be powered by renewable HVO100 (hydrogenated vegetable oil), which significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to traditional diesel.

“These new ranges, alongside our electric solutions, prove that Volvo CE is well-equipped to respond to the different needs of our customers in both regulated and less regulated markets, leveraging our strength to implement meaningful innovation across all our offerings as we move closer towards our ambition for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.”

said Joakim Arndorw, Head of Sales Region International.

Read more about the R60 and R70 rigid haulers.

Mid-Size Electric Machines

On top of a modernization of its conventional offerings, Volvo CE is introducing new electric solutions in the mid-size segment.

Alongside already launched electric solutions such as the 23-ton EC230 Electric excavator and cable-connected EW240 Electric MH, the company presents an array of new battery electric equipment. These include the EWR150 Electric, the first of Volvo’s electric wheeled excavators, and the L90 Electric and L120 Electric wheel loaders, scheduled for stepwise introductions from late 2024 in limited volumes across selected markets.

With these electric solutions, ranging in size from 15-20 tons, Volvo CE is expanding its offering into new segments. Further, they are empowering customers to work in low carbon zones and noise-sensitive areas, as well as indoors without the need for extra ventilation systems and outside of standard working hours – thanks to the lack of exhaust fumes and quieter operation.

Furthermore, the machines boast a 65% energy cost reduction on average, 30% less maintenance and zero engine-related consumables, making them a cost-effective solution for the modern worksite. They also deliver the same, if not better performance, than their diesel counterparts.

Read more about Volvo CE’s new electric machines.

Mobile Charging Solution

Volvo’s electric machines are supported by the company’s broadest range of charging solutions yet with the launch of the PU40 mobile power unit, for compact equipment, available across select markets and a welcome addition to the already available PU500 mobile power unit.

The Volvo PU40 Power Unit is compact, portable, and easy to use and can charge everything from Volvo compact electric machines to other electrical equipment on-site, such as other brands of compact electric machines and equipment like drills and saws.

Charging the PU40 can be done via a low (6kW AC) connection to the grid, helping to avoid peak demand costs. Alternatively, fast charging via a 17kW DC charger is available. Volvo compact electric machines can be fast charged using the integrated 17kW DC charger or via a 3kW AC outlet. The AC outlet can also be used to charge non-Volvo compact electric machines and other electrical equipment.

Find out more about the PU40 Power Unit.

‘My Equipment’ Digital Tool

Also demonstrating Volvo CE’s dedication to securing a reliable electric ecosystem is the new My Equipment digital app, to help customers manage the charging process more efficiently.

The app provides vital information on machine hours, status, location and power consumption. Launched primarily for electric machines, it alerts operators if there is a disruption to charging. It has been designed to ensure they get the most out of their electric construction equipment. My Equipment can also connect to diesel machines, providing customers with additional information on fuel level and more.

It will be introduced to select markets in Europe from June, with a further roll-out set for North America and other global regions at a later date.

“Volvo Days demonstrates how far we have come on our electromobility journey, from our first commercial launch in 2019 through to the broad line-up of electric machines and charging solutions we present today, amplified by our range of smart digital tools. The steps we are taking into the electrification of medium and heavy segment machines paves the way for more customers to decarbonize their operations and seize new business opportunities as societies worldwide transition to a low-carbon future.”

said Carl Slotte, Head of Sales Region Europe.

Read more about My Equipment digital tool.

How Volvo CE Is Leading the Electric Transformation in Heavy Equipment published on The HeavyQuip Magazine.