Volvo to expand electric-powered options

In what it is calling an “industry-first move,” Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) says in 2020 it will begin introducing a range of electric Volvo-branded compact wheel loaders and compact excavators.

Volvo CE has announced the range of compact electric compact models will include its EC15 to EC27 excavators and wheel loaders in the L20 to L28 model range. The equipment maker says it will stop new diesel engine-based development of these models.

The first machines with the electric-powered configuration will be unveiled at the Bauma exhibition in Germany in April 2019, followed by what Volvo calls “a staged market-by-market introduction and ramp up in 2020.”

The company says diesel combustion currently “remains the most appropriate power source for its larger machines,” but electric propulsion and battery technology is proving suitable for Volvo’s smaller equipment. With its research and development efforts focused on developing its electric compact wheel loaders and excavators, Volvo CE says it is taking steps toward diesel-free compact equipment in the future.

“Volvo CE is delivering on its commitment of ‘Building Tomorrow’ by driving leadership in electromobility and delivering sustainable solutions that support customer success,” says Melker Jernberg, president of Volvo CE. “The technology we have been developing is now sufficiently robust, and this—together with changes in customer behavior and a heightened regulatory environment—means that now is the right time to commit to electromobility in our compact equipment ranges in the future.”

The company says more information about the new models will be made available throughout 2019.