Volvo CE unveiled two zero-emissions machines, the ECR25 compact excavator and L25 compact wheel loader, at Bauma, the world-leading construction machinery trade fair in Munich, Germany.
The ECR25 and L25 were the first commercial machines unveiled from Volvo CE's new electric range, a project the company developed as part of its commitment to "Building Tomorrow." Starting mid-2020, Volvo CE will launch its range of electrical compact excavators (EC15 to EC27) and wheel loaders (L20 to L28) and stop developing new diesel-engine-based versions of these models.
The electric line boasts compact excavators and wheel loaders that deliver improved efficiency, reduced energy costs, less maintenance requirements, significantly-lower noise levels, and zero exhaust emissions, as compared to their conventional counterparts.
Electric Operation
The ECR25 and L25's lithium-ion batteries replace the conventional models' combustion engines to make the machines electric. The batteries store enough energy to power eight hours of operation in regular applications, including utility work, gardening, landscaping, agriculture, and light infrastructure work.
With the ECR25 and L25's onboard chargers, you can charge the batteries overnight in a regular household plug socket. A fast-charging option, which requires more powerful grid access, will also be available.
One electric motor powers the ECR25's hydraulics in order to move the machine and the attachment, while two electric motors power the L25: one for the drivetrain, and one for the hydraulics. Decoupling the subsystems leads to higher efficiency in both of the L25's systems.
“The ECR25 and L25 are revolutionary machines that demonstrate Volvo CE's commitment to future technology,” said Volvo CE Electromobility and Automation Director Scott Young. “Since the machines are electric, they do not release any particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, or carbon dioxide into the environment. Coupled with their extremely low noise levels, these features make them ideal for use in cities and densely-populated areas."
From Concept to Reality
The Bauma unveiling follows positive reactions to Volvo CE's electric concept machines: the EX2 compact excavator and LX2 compact wheel loader.
“While the ECR25 and L25 are different machines, the findings from these prototype research projects have helped build the foundations for the new range of electric compact machines,” said Young. "Changes in customer behavior and a heightened regulatory environment make now the right time to launch our electric compact machines.”
Now that Volvo CE has unveiled the first electric compact machines for commercial use, a number of customers will use and test them in pilot products before production begins in mid-2020.
Innovating for a Sustainable Future
“Unveiling our first commercial electric machines marks a significant moment in Volvo CE’s journey towards building a more sustainable future,” said Volvo CE President Melker Jernberg. “In line with the Volvo Group’s strategic focus on electromobility in all business areas, we are driving leadership in electromobility and delivering sustainable solutions that support customer success. The construction equipment electrification will produce cleaner, quieter, and more-efficient machines; this represents the future of our industry.”
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Based on Article Originally Posted By: Volvo CE