UK earthmoving contractor invests in mega battery storage unit

UK earthmoving contractor Collins Earthworks is the first customer for a 240kW fast charging battery energy storage system (BESS) developed by London-based Allye Energy.

Collins, which in addition to its earthworks business also runs demolition, transport and equipment sales divisions, will deploy a new MAX1000 unit with a 240kW integrated DC fast charging capability.

It will use the BESS to charge its four Volvo FMX electric transport trucks – the MAX1000 will recharge these from 20% to 80% in just over an hour. For construction equipment, it can fully recharge a typical electric crawler excavator with a 260kWh battery in under 25 minutes.

Allye also produces smaller MAX300 and larger MAX1500 units. The latter could support zero to 100% recharging of five large electric crawler excavators in a single day, entirely off-grid.

Collins Earthworks is taking steps to move their fleet of trucks and earthmoving equipment to electric power. The partnership with Allye will help it provide high-power charging at depots, quarries, and remote locations where construction vehicles need to top up throughout the working day.

David Collins, managing director of Collins Earthworks, said; “The transition to electric construction equipment presents unique challenges in our industry, but it’s a necessary step forward that we’re committed to taking.

“The MAX1000 delivers exactly what we need - reliable, high-power charging capability that can be deployed at our various work sites without extensive infrastructure upgrades. It’s a practical solution that keeps our electric equipment running efficiently while helping us meet our sustainability targets.”

Alistair McNeil, COO at Allye Energy, added; “Our partnership with Collins Earthworks exemplifies how innovation happens when forward-thinking companies collaborate effectively.

“Their industry expertise has been invaluable in refining the MegaMAX range to meet real-world construction needs. By integrating our proprietary AI forecasting technology into these systems, we’ve created not just a power solution but an intelligent energy management system that anticipates usage patterns, optimises charging schedules, and adapts to the dynamic needs of any site.”

Cost savings

Allye Energy estimated that the MegaMAX range could save operators like Collins up to £2,500 per week in diesel costs alone, with additional savings from reduced maintenance requirements and the elimination of grid connection upgrades for EV charging.

A feature of the MegaMAX range is a custom roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) structure, allowing systems to be transported and deployed via standard hook loader trucks without requiring specialised lifting equipment.

The MegaMAX range uses a combined charging system (CCS) for DC fast charging, which can be specified from 240kW up to 640kW, with higher power now under development. The charging system includes extra-long cables for use with larger industrial vehicles in construction environments.

The range also uses an AI forecasting platform which continuously analyses usage patterns, weather conditions, and operational schedules to predict energy demands.