Recently, the foreign media Equipment World launched a series of reports on Future Fuels, aiming to discuss the evolution of diesel fuel alternatives that construction equipment and manufacturers around the world are experiencing, including hybrid power, battery power, fuel cell, and hydrogen internal combustion engine and hydrogen fuel cell technologies. The following is the sixth report in a series.
The previous series of reports talked about the development of new energy related technologies and who pays the bill for new energy equipment. Part VI Equipment World focused on the electrification development of Volvo's construction equipment. Let's take a look at the testing road of Volvo's electric equipment and its application in actual conditions!
Accelerate the implementation of zero emission technology on the construction site
Earlier, it was reported that a company in California was testing Volvo Construction Equipment's electric excavators and wheel loaders to test their commitment to environmental sustainability and whether they could still stand firm on the construction site in the event of power failure.
Baltic Sands in Yucca Valley is using Volvo ECR25 electric compact excavator and L25 electric loader to perform various tasks in a pilot project in Southern California. Baltic Hainan Coast Air Quality Management Zone has provided Volvo construction equipment with a fund of 2 million US dollars to accelerate the implementation of zero emission technology on the construction site.
The main construction conditions of ECR25 are foundation pit excavation, municipal construction pipe trench excavation, etc. The L25 loader can be used in larger construction sites to handle large earthwork projects. The pilot project "enables us to pursue a more ecological ideal by adopting new technologies," said Jacques Marais, the company's director. These machines are powered by a set of solar panels throughout the project for housing development. ECR25 excavator and L25 loader are charged at night and during lunch.
"We work on very soft ground conditions," Marais said. "There is a lot of traction resistance on the slope. We put the machine under constant load. Even under these harsh conditions, we can use the motor to complete various tasks every day."
Marais also said that because the noise and vibration of the machine were greatly reduced, the Baltic operators felt less tired. The operator can also get power immediately and talk with other staff on site in a normal tone.
"With these motors, noise is no longer a factor - you can talk to the operator as if he or she were standing next to you," said Aaron Anderson, a Volvo construction equipment and service dealer in Corona, California. "Maintenance is not a real concern."
To further simplify charging, the Baltic Sea project tested the two units with battery packs. The company is also studying how to combine the electric motor with its diesel powered fleet.
Marais said: "This product basically meets the needs in reality. I have noticed this and hope that as an early adopter of electric vehicles, we have done the right thing. I am very happy to put it on our construction site to see what the future of our company will be like."
The above is what Jacques Marais reported when he was interviewed. It has been two years since then. The last test was to verify whether the electric excavator and loader of Volvo construction equipment can solve the charging problem in a more rigorous way, such as in the desert. At that time, Volvo provided a solar charging pile to meet the needs of Marais for construction in the desert.
Electrification must be the future
In addition to charging solutions, Marais is also very impressed with the two electric devices. "If you want me to compare the operating efficiency and actual performance of electric equipment and diesel engine, I think they are basically the same in terms of work," Marais said. "I think the cooperation with Volvo Construction Equipment is very successful in testing under some special working conditions."
During the whole testing process, L25 and ECR25 performed many tasks, such as foundation pit excavation, digging ditches for natural gas, power and water pipelines, landscaping, and digging irrigation ditches. After a period of testing under different working conditions, Marais likes the performance of Volvo's electric equipment, such as low noise, diesel engine performance and less maintenance. However, he also has his own ideas about motor cost and equipment tonnage. The current testing is basically compact equipment, and the scenario application of larger tonnage equipment needs to face more challenges.
It is understood that Volvo Construction Equipment has delivered its first production model ECR25 electric compact excavator to customers. The ECR25 and L25 electric compact wheel loaders are scheduled to open in August 2021 and will be delivered for the first time in early 2022. Now, other models, L20 electric wheel loader and EC18 and ECR18 electric excavators are available for booking.
According to Volvo, with the further development of the company's electric equipment, the diesel version of compact equipment will be phased out. The compact electrical equipment series is only the first product launched, and engineers are developing systems for large building equipment. Volvo's next step is a 22 ton electric excavator, which will be tested in 2023. It was suggested that Marais continue to participate in the pilot program, which he said was not in line with his schedule. He praised Volvo Construction Equipment for constantly setting higher goals for itself, and pointed out that "electrification must be the future, and it cannot be overemphasized".
