Volvo CE electric wheeled loader, excavator make North America debut

Volvo CE said development of the two battery-electric construction machines was to meet a need for larger alternative-power construction equipment options.

“While most electric construction equipment currently on the market is compact, the new mid-size electric wheel loader and excavator from Volvo CE are designed to meet the growing demand for larger, more powerful equipment with reduced environmental impact,” said Volvo CE.

The L120 and EC230 each have a maximum operating weight range of more than 20 tons and boast a battery runtime between six and eight hours (or more or less depending on the application).

Dr Ray Gallant, vice president of sustainability and productivity service for Volvo CE, said, “These larger battery-electric models mark a significant advancement toward zero-emission solutions that can help businesses and government fleets meet sustainability and productivity goals.”

Both units are available by reservation now with delivery expected to start in 2025.

A closer look at Volvo’s L120 Electric wheel loader

The Volvo CE L120 Electric wheel loader. (Image: Volvo CE)

The L120 weighs 22 tons with a 6-ton lifting capacity. Earlier this year, the company announced it would launch the wheeled loader in Europe starting in 2024’s fourth quarter.

It’s powered by a 600 V, 282kWh lithium-ion battery system with rated power of 230kW. It can charge up to 165kW in two hours with an indicative runtime between five and nine hours.

“Charging options include a 50-kW DC mobile charger that will charge the L120 Electric from empty to full in about six hours or a 150-kW DC fast charger that can charge it from empty to full in two hours,” said Volvo.

The wheeled loader relies on three electric motors: two for propulsion and a separate motor for hydraulics.

“The system recoups deceleration energy to extend battery runtime, reduce brake wear and minimise the need for axle oil cooling,” added Volvo. “The loader also features active cooling and heating of the high-voltage batteries as well as passive cooling for the electric motors, transmission and hydraulic oil.”

Features maintained from the brand’s diesel equivalent include including on-board weighing with the Volvo Load Assist system, torque parallel linkage, electro-hydraulic lever controls and auto bucket-levelling functions, as well as access to conventional attachments like buckets, forks, grapples and more.

Examining the EC230 Electric excavator from Volvo CE

The Volvo CE EC230 Electric excavator. (Image: Volvo CE)

The EC230 crawler launched globally in 2023. It weighs 23 tons and features a 1.44 yd³ (1.1m³) bucket capacity. It has a 33,500 lbf (pound of force) and a max digging reach of 32 ft and 7 in (10.06m) and max digging depth of 22 ft and 1 in (6.7m).

Like the L120, it’s also powered by a 600V lithium-ion battery. The 450kWh system runs continuously at 105kW with a motor power peak of 160kW. It can charge up to 250kW (reaching 80% charge) in less than two hours and sports an indicative runtime up to eight hours.

Volvo CE said early EC230 users noted significant emissions reductions and operating cost savings.

“For instance, [Sweden-based global construction contractor] Skanska used it to load trucks of export material from an underground tunnel as part of a transit line renovation in Los Angeles,” said Volvo, referring to the Purple (D Line) Extension Transit Project in California, US.

Volvo said project leaders there noted hourly carbon emissions were reduced by 66% and hourly costs by 74% over the 90-day test period.

“In a 90-day pilot with Sunbelt Rentals, the mid-size electric excavator delivered an 80% carbon reduction rate and 83% cost savings in comparison to its diesel equivalent,” added Volvo.