Volvo CE unveils first electric compact models

First published at bauma - April 9, 2019

Melker Jernberg, president of Volvo Construction Equipment, after the unveiling of the electric-powered ECR25 excavator and L25 wheeled loader

Volvo Construction Equipment has unveiled its first two commercial zero-emissions machines, the ECR25 excavator and the L25 wheeled loader … and signalled the beginning of the end of diesel-powered excavators and wheeled loaders. Both of these new units feature in Volvo CE’s new range of electric compact models.

The Swedish giant has made the machines with city-based construction projects in mind, designing them to deliver zero exhaust emissions, significantly lower noise levels, reduced energy costs, improved efficiency outputs and less maintenance requirements.

The move signals the end of diesel engines. From mid-2020, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) will begin to launch a range of electric compact excavators (EC15 to EC27) and wheeled loaders (L20 to L28). Volvo CE will stop new diesel engine-based developments for these models.

To make the ECR25 and L25 electric, old-fashioned combustion engines have been replaced with lithium-ion batteries. The ECR25 is fitted with lithium-ion batteries and one electric motor which powers the hydraulics.

The machine’s batteries store enough electric energy to power the ECR25 for eight hours in its most common applications, such as utility work. The L25 also incorporates lithium-ion batteries which allow for eight hours of operation in the machine’s regular applications, including light infrastructure work, gardening, landscaping and agriculture.

The L25 incorporates two dedicated electric motors, one for the drivetrain and one for the hydraulics. Decoupling the subsystems has led to higher efficiency in both the systems and the entire machine. Both the ECR25 and L25 have onboard chargers that enable overnight charging via a regular household plug socket. A fast charging option, requiring more powerful grid access, will also be available.

The launch of the ECR25 and L25 follow what Volvo CE said had been positive reactions to its concept machines over the last few years. This includes the prototype EX2 fully electric compact excavator and the prototype LX2 electric compact wheeled loader.

Now that the first electric compact machines have been unveiled, a number of machines will be used and tested by customer’s in pilot projects before production begins mid-2020.

“Unveiling our first commercial electric machines marks a significant moment in Volvo CE’s journey towards building a more sustainable future,” said Melker Jernberg, president of Volvo CE. “In line with the Volvo Group’s strategic focus on electromobility in all business areas, we are driving leadership in electromobility and delivering sustainable solutions that support customer success. The electrification of construction equipment will produce cleaner, quieter and more efficient machines. This represents the future of our industry.”

Stand C6.201-213 FM.714 ICM.200