5 OEMs meeting construction’s electrification challenge

Volvo CE launches three new electric machines

Earlier this month, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) launched three new electric compact machines, the L20 electric wheeled loader and the EC18 Electric and ECR18 Electric excavators.

The OEM says that this means that it now has the broadest range of electric construction equipment in the industry – the company now has five electric machines.

The new models will be available in the second quarter of 2022 but are available for pre-order now.

Wacker Neuson’s electric compactors

In August, Wacker Neuson launched a new series of vibratory plates that includes three electric models, offering “100% emission-free work and energy savings of over 70%”.

Providing centrifugal forces ranging between 10 and 13kNW, the new APS Series comprises three models – the APS1030e, APS1135e and the APS1340e – with base widths of 30, 35 and 40cm respectively.

580 EV electric backhoe loader from Case

The model was introduced at ConExpo 2020 in Las Vegas, US and is currently only available in the North American region.

The zero-emissions model is powered by a 480-volt lithium-ion battery pack and has lower daily operating costs when compared to similar Case machines.

The machine won the 2020 Good Design Award in January 2021.

JCB’s electric-powered products

At a digital launch at the end of 2020, JCB unveiled its first all-electric telehandler, the 505-20E, as well as the new all-electric one tonne high-tip IT-E site dumper.

JCB’s electric mini excavator, the 19C-1E, entered production in 2019 – the company claimed that it was the first electric excavator to be put into mass production by an original equipment manufacturer.

A new cab was announced for the excavator, with JCB saying it would increase its appeal in countries with a colder, wetter climate. The electric mini excavator has reportedly been distributed to 23 countries around the world, further highlighting the potential for electric compact equipment.

Sany’s remote-controlled electric mining trucks

Chinese based OEM Sany reported that, in June 2020, two electric unmanned SKT90E wide-body mining trucks successfully realised a connection with a 5G remote controlled excavator.

The two SKT90E wide-body mining trucks were said to have demonstrated high-level environmental identification and positioning capacity, conducting timely decision making and accurate route planning in the operation field.

The adoption of an electric power system solves the potential fuel shortage in the environment at high altitudes and the unmanned driving technology makes the operation safer in an area where landslides are common.