Volvo CE to introduce three more electric machines in 2022

Volvo CE is expanding its electric compact equipment lineup with three new models – two mini excavators and one wheel loader. The new models increase Volvo's electric lineup to five machines, the largest range of electric equipment on the market. The new machines are currently available to reserve in parts of Europe with expected delivery in Q2, 2022, before rolling out to more markets.

Volvo has also introduced its Electric Machine Management Application (EMMA) for compact electric equipment, which will provide insights into battery level and remaining working hours, charging status, geographic location and more.

Volvo CE aims to reach net zero value chain greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. In addition to its electric machine program, the company is also developing hydrogen fuel cell solutions and more sustainable internal combustion engine products. The Volvo Group's target is to have at least 35 percent of its total range of vehicles fully electric by 2030.

Melker Jernberg, president of Volvo CE, says, "We are proud to be leading our industry's fight against climate change as the manufacturer with the world's largest range of electric machines. Not only are we delivering real-world solutions for a more sustainable way of working but we are adding further power to our customers' business with the widest possible range of choice to best fit their needs."

New electric excavators and wheel loader

The L20 Electric compact wheel loader and EC18 Electric and ECR18 Electric compact excavators join the already launched L25 Electric and ECR25 Electric. The three new models are part of Volvo CE's commitment to move its range of Volvo-branded compact wheel loaders and compact excavators to electric and stop development of new diesel variants. 

The L20 Electric is based on the larger L25 Electric model. It delivers a 1.8-ton payload and a parallel-type linkage offering great visibility over the attachment, outstanding lifting height as well as 100 percent parallel movements – ideal for fork applications, too. Expected to deliver up to six hours of active work per charge, the electric machine comes with a choice of battery pack (33kWh or 40kWh) and reduces maintenance by 30 percent. As well as the more peaceful working conditions offered by its near-silence, operating comfort is also enhanced thanks to the new automatic park brake with hill-hold functionality and a range of customizable work modes.

According to Volvo CE, the 1.8-ton ECR18 Electric is set to provide the same stability and operator experience customers expect from its diesel counterpart but with the benefit of low noise, low vibration and more responsive hydraulics due to the immediate torque. Delivering an anticipated four hours of active work per charge, depending on the environment and task, the ECR18 Electric also benefits from an ultra-short-tail radius. It has been built with durability in mind – from its high profile counterweight to all-round steel panels and hoses routed inside the boom.

Easy to operate and transport, the EC18 Electric offers customers a cost-efficient compact excavator working in 1.8-ton applications. Its variable undercarriage retracts to less than 1m and expands up to 1.35m, allowing it to squeeze into the tightest of areas, while the machine's design ensures the right frame corner, swing post and cylinder stay within the tracks' width, resulting in maximum visibility and a reduced risk of machine damage when working alongside obstacles. As well as ergonomic controls, a spacious cab and a range of customizable settings, it also offers the option of an enclosed and heated cab.

All three machines come with an integrated on-board charger allowing them to charge from 0 to 100 percent in under six hours. With an optional fast off-board charger, the L20 Electric will fully charge in under just two hours, while the ECR18 Electric and EC18 Electric will charge up to 80 percent in up to 1.25 hours. Volvo dealers can calculate the expected operating time and optimum charging solution based on customers' activities. With any of these machines, customers can operate in noise sensitive areas and out of standard hours, as well as low-carbon projects and indoors, without the need for costly fume extraction systems.

New app provides insights for electric machine management including battery level and charging status

Customers of any of the five electric models will also soon be able to take advantage of a new fleet management solution designed specifically for the remote monitoring of electric machines. The Electric Machine Management Application (EMMA) will provide valuable insights into battery level and remaining working hours, charging status, geographic location and more.

As with the first electric models introduced in 2019 and brought to market in 2020, Volvo CE now has available a reservation tool for customers to order one of these three new machines, available across 12 European countries before expanding to other markets.