Volvo CE launches three new electric machines

Volvo CE now has five electric equipment models

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has 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.

At the online launch Volvo CE President Melker Jernberg said that the company now had, “the broadest range of electric machines in the construction industry” and that the launch of the three products was the OEMs “next step on its electromobility journey.” He added that climate change was the, “biggest challenge faced by the industry.”

The 4.5 tonne L20 Electric wheeled loader is based on the larger L25 Electric model. It features a 1.8 tonne payload and a parallel-type linkage offering good visibility over the attachment being used, outstanding lifting height, as well as 100% parallel movements.

The new models will be available in the second quarter of 2022

Expected to deliver up to six hours of active work per charge, the electric machine comes with a choice of battery pack (33kWh or 40kWh) and reduces maintenance by 30%.

The EC18 Electric offers customers a cost-efficient compact excavator working in 1.8-ton applications. Its variable undercarriage retracts to less than 1m and expands up to 1.35m.

The machine’s design ensures the right frame corner, swing post and cylinder stay within the tracks’ width, resulting in maximum visibility and a reduced risk of machine damage when working alongside obstacles. It also offers the option of an enclosed and heated cab.

The ECR18 Electric is the short radius equivalent, and Volvo CE says it to provides the same best-in-class stability and operator experience as its diesel counterpart but with the benefit of low noise, low vibration and more responsive hydraulics due to the immediate torque. Delivering an anticipated four hours of active work per charge, depending on the environment and task in hand, the ECR18 Electric also benefits from an ultra-short tail radius, making it ideal for confined spaces.

Volvo CE Melker Jernberg says the new models are the next step in the company’s electromobility journey

All three machines come with an integrated on-board charger allowing them to charge from 0 to 100% in under six hours. With an optional fast off-board charger, the L20 Electric will fully charge in under just two hours, while the ECR18 Electric and EC18 Electric will charge up to 80% in up to 1.25 hours.

Volvo CE also announced the launch of EMMA - the company’s Electric Machine Management Application that will provide insights into battery level and remaining working hours, charging status, geographic location and more.