Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is doubling down on its commitment to the electric vehicle (EV) transition in the construction industry. The company has developed a new solution for mid-size range construction machinery by converting a 20-ton loader into an EV, making it more accessible to customers in the market. This latest move is part of Volvo CE’s wider push to become carbon-neutral by 2040, with an electric vehicle share of 35% by 2030.
Partnering with CE Engineering Solutions and Parker Hannifin, Volvo CE created the L120H Electric Conversion, which will be available to select European customers this year. The loader is equipped with 240 kWh batteries, providing a runtime of approximately five hours in most medium-duty applications, and can charge from 0-100% in 1.5-2 hours.
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Standard features include Comfort Drive Control, Load Assist with On-Board Weighing, radar detection, and a new Collision Mitigation System. The L120H Electric Conversion will also be supported by dedicated electromobility applications, which allow the operator to check the battery and charging status and preheat the cab.
Volvo CE’s latest collaboration expands its line of electric wheel loaders and follows its investment in Dutch manufacturer Limach to broaden the electric excavator portfolio. With the L20 Electric and L25 Electric, Volvo CE already has two light electric wheel loaders in its range. However, the Arvika plant specializes in medium and heavy wheel loaders, indicating the possibility of new products in the future.
According to Carl Slotte, Head of Sales Region Europe at Volvo CE, “There is no time to wait – we need to deliver solutions that allow our customers to achieve their decarbonization goals.” He added that “our commitment to partnership allows us to take a leading position in transforming our industry with electric solutions that are built to fulfill market demand and tailored to suit the changing needs of our customers.”
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As the construction industry moves towards decarbonization, it is crucial for companies like Volvo CE to act quickly and provide innovative solutions that allow customers to meet their sustainability goals. The L120H Electric Conversion is just one example of Volvo CE’s efforts to lead the transition to a carbon-neutral future in the construction industry.
