Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has embarked on a significant step towards sustainable manufacturing with the initiation of electric machine production at its Shippensburg headquarters in Pennsylvania. The inaugural production features the company’s latest innovation, the DD25 Electric Compactor.
Anticipated to be dispatched later this year, the initial units mark a pivotal move towards the company’s target of achieving a 35% fully electric product lineup by the year 2030. It should be noted, however, that Volvo’s communication also alludes to the first shipments commencing in early 2024. This timing clarification is expected to be resolved upon the manufacturer’s elucidation of the delivery launch.
Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey, Jr., commented on this momentous achievement, stating, “Volvo’s clean-energy electric compactor, a groundbreaking endeavor crafted entirely on American soil, epitomizes the commitment to rejuvenate American manufacturing. It not only bolsters our manufacturers and workforce but also positions them as pioneers in a burgeoning industry, meeting the escalating demand for electric vehicles.”
Scott Young, acting president of Region North America at Volvo CE, echoed the sentiment, affirming, “The initiation of electric machine production in Shippensburg heralds a positive development for the environment, our clientele, the local economy, and the broader construction equipment sector in the United States.”
Coinciding with this milestone, Volvo also unveiled its receipt of a substantial $1.1 million grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This grant is designated to facilitate a pilot testing initiative of the DD25 Electric in Southern California, showcasing Volvo’s commitment to enhancing eco-friendly machinery and their real-world applicability.
The company’s dedication to expanding production capacities was earlier highlighted in January of this year when Volvo CE announced an investment of 5.8 million euros in its production facility located in Arvika, Sweden. This strategic investment underpins the company’s broader vision of advancing manufacturing capabilities while embracing a greener future.
