Volvo Construction Equipment Introduces New Electric Mini Excavators and Wheel Loaders

Volvo Construction Equipment's small equipment electric series has two new zero-emission equipments - the ECR25 mini excavator and the L25 wheel loader.

Electric mini excavator ECR25 and wheel loader L25

In order to realize the vision of “building an ideal life together”, Volvo Construction Equipment first introduced a commercial zero-emission electric mini excavator and wheel loader at the BMW Expo in Munich. These two products are the first commercial models to be exhibited in the Volvo brand's new range of electrification products. Compared to conventional equipment, these products not only achieve zero exhaust emissions, but also significantly reduce noise levels, energy costs, and improve efficiency while reducing maintenance costs. Volvo Construction Equipment will launch a series of electric mini excavators (EC15 to EC27) and wheel loaders (L20 to L28) in mid-2020, and stop the development of related models of diesel equipment in the European market.

Electrification

To achieve the electrification of ECR25 and L25, Volvo replaced the internal combustion engine with a lithium-ion battery. The ECR25 excavator is equipped with a lithium-ion battery and an electric motor that powers the hydraulic system, drive equipment and attachments. The storage capacity of the ECR25 lithium battery is sufficient for the equipment to maintain an eight-hour normal operation in daily working conditions such as municipal public facilities. The L25 loader also uses a lithium-ion battery that can also be used for eight hours in everyday applications such as small infrastructure projects, gardening, landscaping and farming. The L25 loader uses two dedicated electric motors, one for the powertrain and the other for the hydraulic system. By subsystem decoupling, the efficiency of the two systems and the entire equipment is improved. Both the ECR25 and L25 are equipped with a car charger that can be charged at night through a regular household outlet. If you can access a higher power grid, you can also choose a fast charging module for both devices.

“The two devices, ECR25 and L25, are revolutionary and demonstrate Volvo's commitment to future technology,” said Scott Young, Volvo's director of electrification and automation for construction equipment. “These devices are not in the environment because they are electrically designed. Emission of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides or carbon dioxide with very low noise levels is ideal for cities and other densely populated areas."

From concept to reality

Behind the successful release of ECR25 and L25, positive feedback from several concept models of Volvo Construction Equipment over the past few years. This includes the all-electric mini excavator prototype EX2 and the electric compact wheel loader prototype LX2. “Although ECR25 and L25 belong to different types of equipment, the new electricized small equipment series is based on the experience gained from previous research projects,” Young explained. “The technology we have been developing is now robust enough, plus customers. The changing behavior and stricter regulatory environment make it the best time to introduce small, electrically powered devices."

Now that the first electric small equipment has been unveiled, more models will be available for customer use and testing through pilot projects before mass production begins in mid-2020.

Innovation creates a sustainable future

"The appearance of Volvo's first commercial electric equipment is an important historical moment, marking Volvo's construction equipment is moving towards a more sustainable future," said Volvo Construction Equipment President Melker Jernberg. "According to the Volvo Group's focus on electric power in all areas of business Strategic deployment of the business, we are building Volvo's leadership in the field of electrification, helping customers succeed by providing sustainable solutions. After electrification, construction equipment will emit less emissions, lower noise and higher efficiency – these Features represent the future of our industry.” (This article is from Volvo Construction Equipment)