Volvo Construction Equipment has introduced its all-electric L120 Electric large wheel loader to Europe, with its debut taking place at a complex underground construction site in Munich, Germany. The battery-powered vehicle is currently in operation on a project to build a new underground train station beneath the historic city centre.
With a 6-ton lifting capacity, the L120 Electric is the first electric wheel loader of its size to be launched in the European market. The machine is being used in demanding conditions—27 meters below ground level and within a pressurized tunnel environment—to prevent groundwater from entering the construction site. These conditions prohibit the use of diesel-powered equipment due to safety concerns.
“Only electrically powered equipment may be used under these conditions. Any diesel machine would be an incalculable risk,” said Reinhold Boiger, Senior Site Manager Tunnelling at ARGE Marienhof, the contractor overseeing the project.
The 20-ton vehicle was lowered into the site with millimetre-level precision by crane, through the tightly constrained streets of Munich’s city centre. “This is not a standard construction site. You need special solutions here, and we have delivered them with the L120 Electric,” said Jascha Henjes, Key Account Manager at Volvo CE.
The L120 Electric matches the performance of its diesel equivalent while operating for up to eight hours on a single charge, depending on use. Beyond zero emissions, it offers reduced noise and smoother handling—important benefits in both densely populated urban areas and enclosed workspaces. Volvo CE says this deployment reflects growing industry demand for electric heavy equipment, especially in tunnelling and mining where clean air and safety are critical.