Volvo Construction Equipment’s ECR25 Electric compact excavator and Volvo L25 Electric compact wheel loader were first unveiled at the Bauma 2019 expo in Munich. Two Norwegian companies, K Baugerød Anlegg and Veidekke, were among the first to take delivery of the new machines, which took place at a socially-distanced handover event to comply with local COVID-19 restrictions.
According to Volvo CE and its local dealer Volvo Maskin, the deliveries represent an important milestone in Norway’s long-term journey towards electrification and a more-sustainable infrastructure.
K Baugerød Anlegg plans to deploy the ECR25 Electric for its work with cable and pipeline construction in the city of Oslo, while Veidekke will first use the L25 Electric in a job for the Norwegian Public Roads Administration.
“Our clients request more environmentally friendly solutions, and we want to be in the forefront. The new quiet and emission-free excavator will also make an immediate difference to the quality of life to the operator and other staff on site,” said Sara Iselin Nysveen Bakke, general manager at K Baugerød Anlegg.
Are Ellefsrud, machine manager at Veidekke, concurred. “We are proud to be among the first construction companies in Norway to operate a Volvo electric machine and demonstrate to our customers and wider society that we take our role in caring for the environment and combatting climate change very seriously,” he said.
The design of the two machines replaces a combustion engine with 48-V lithium ion batteries and electric motors, but retains the traditional hydraulics. These units offer the same high performance customers expect, said Volvo CE officials, but with zero emissions, low noise, less vibration and simpler maintenance requirements.
Installed batteries reportedly store enough energy to power an eight-hour shift in typical applications, such as landscaping and utility work, and can be charged overnight via a regular household plug socket.
The 2.7-ton ECR25 Electric compact excavator is powered by a permanent-magnet motor with peak rated power of 40 hp. The hydraulic system includes variable-displacement load sensing pumps providing maximum system flow of 15.3 gpm. Flow to accessories is up to 13.2 gpm. Maximum operating pressure is 3,626 psi, and hydraulic system capacity is 8.72 gallons.
The 5-ton L25 includes a 48-hp (peak) driveline induction motor and a 43-hp (peak) permanent magnet motor for the working hydraulics. Working hydraulics provide up to 14.5 gpm flow at maximum 3,336 psi, with a third hydraulic circuit rated at 14.5 gpm and 2,538 psi. Working pressure of the hydrostatic steering system is 2,756 psi.
Volvo Construction Equipment
www.volvoce.com
