Volvo CE unveils mobile charging unit for heavy equipment

Volvo CE's 600V power unit, for charging heavy battery-electric equipment. Photo: Volvo CE

The company said the power unit is designed to deliver reliable, efficient, and rapid charging for electric construction machines.

The transportable 600V unit, tailored for larger machines, is designed for use in locations where grid access is weak or limited on-site; customers can charge the power unit elsewhere, then easily transport it to the site.

It also offers the benefit of power peak shaving, which involves continuous low-power charging of the batteries in the power unit or high-power fast charging for construction equipment when needed.

The unit can be configured with new or second-life battery packs, such as those previously used in other Volvo products, including trucks, buses and construction equipment.

Power for big machines

This technology is already being used at various sites, including Sweden’s largest fossil-free worksite in Stockholm city, in collaboration with construction giant Skanska, where the unit is powering Volvo’s 23-tonne EC230 Electric excavator.

Elodie Guyot, head of Volvo CE’s electromobility sales for Europe, said, “Electric machines are one part of the puzzle when it comes to establishing fully fossil-free worksites – another is reliable charging solutions.

“Our power unit is the next step in our ambition to decarbonise the construction industry, helping customers comply with environmental regulations while ensuring the steady and efficient supply of power they need to get the job done.”

Niklas Thulin, head of direct sales at Volvo Energy, said, “The power unit is a great example of the solutions we are exploring together with Volvo CE.

“Repurposing batteries is key to circularity and being able to give battery packs a second life in new products, which in themselves enable charging or integration of renewable energy, brings tangible sustainability and economic values.”