Heavy Equipment

Volvo Ends Diesel Wheel Loaders and Excavators

Volvo CE is the first OEM to commit to an electric future for compact machines.

Updated on

January 28, 2019

Volvo CE L28 wheel loader. PHOTO | COURTESY

Volvo CE has announced plans to end production of diesel engine-based compact wheel loaders and compact excavators, in favour of electric ones, as construction and mining equipment gets increasingly electrified.

The Swedish construction equipment subsidiary of Volvo Group says it will introduce by mid-next year a range of electric compact excavators (EC15 to EC27) and wheel loaders (L20 to L28), with bigger machines expected to follow months later.

The first new EV will be unveiled in April at the Bauma exhibition in München, followed by a gradual market-by-market introduction and ramp-up next year.

Volvo CE becomes the first construction equipment maker to commit to an electric future for its compact machine range.

“This follows an overwhelmingly favorable reaction from the market after the successful unveiling of several concept machines in recent years, and by working closely with customers. This move is aligned with the Volvo Group’s strategic focus on electromobility in all business areas,” the company said in a press statement last week.

The company said that although diesel combustion currently remains the most appropriate power source for its larger machines, electric propulsion, and battery technology is proving particularly suited to its smaller equipment.

“Volvo CE is delivering on its commitment of ‘Building Tomorrow’ by driving leadership in electromobility and delivering sustainable solutions that support customer success,” Volvo CE president Melker Jernberg said.

“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 construction and mining equipment is getting increasingly electrified, as more customers seek to boost site efficiency.

Last October, Hyundai CE teamed up with Cummins to create an electric-powered mini excavator as part of its big push to deliver eco-friendly solutions for the equipment market.

The mini excavator has eight Cummins BM4.4E Li-ion battery modules connected in series and installed in the base of the vehicle. According to the company, the total battery capacity of 35.2 kWh enables the digger to operate for a full eight-hour shift and charge in three hours.