Volvo Construction Equipment is making strides in developing sustainable machinery, and its latest offering is an electric conversion of its L120 wheel loader. Developed in collaboration with Parker Hannifin and CE Engineering Solutions, the 20-ton L120H Electric Conversion model will be available for selected European customers in 2023. This electric version of the conventional diesel machine offers the same performance without emissions and with a significant reduction in noise. The move towards electrification is part of Volvo CE’s commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, with a notable reduction in emissions, if possible, as early as 2030 seeing as it is the goal for the Science Based Targets initiative.
The L120H Electric Conversion provides a runtime of approximately five hours in most medium-duty applications, which is in line with the actual machine time of four to five hours across a full eight- or nine-hour workday for most customers. This is possible due to the fact that 240 kWh batteries power it. As per estimates, the battery can charge from 0-100% in 1.5 to 2 hours, making it quick and convenient to recharge. The machine retains some of the basic features and components of Volvo machinery such as the Comfort Drive Control, Load Assist with On-Board Weighing, and radar detection with the Collision Mitigation System. Additionally, the L120H Electric Conversion will be supported by dedicated electro-mobility features that let the loader’s operator check on the battery and its charging status and preheat the cab.
Volvo CE’s commitment to partnership makes it possible for the company to be in a leading position for transforming the construction industry with electric solutions. Working with CE Engineering Solutions and the selected electro-mobility partners made the development process quicker resulting in the availability of commercialized electric solutions across all segments and applications. The company has also invested in Dutch manufacturer Limach to broaden its electric excavator portfolio.
In addition to the L120H Electric Conversion, Volvo CE also offers the L25 Electric and L20 Electric compact wheel loaders. There are also the ECR25 Electric, ECR18 Electric, and EC18 Electric compact excavators included in the electric line. The expansion of its electric line-up is the company’s intention with the introduction of the EC 230, its first mid-sized piece of heavy equipment to be electrified. The EC 230, a 23-ton excavator with a 600-volt battery, has been on customer trials in Europe and will undergo customer trials in North America in 2023, with commercial availability expected in 2024. By scaling up its portfolio of electric machines, Volvo CE is extending the versatility of its range and transforming the industry towards a carbon-neutral future.
Take Away
Volvo Construction Equipment has partnered with Parker Hannifin and CE Engineering Solutions to convert its L120 wheel loader into an electric model. The L120H Electric Conversion will be available for selected customers in Europe in 2023, offering the same performance as the conventional diesel machine but without emissions and with a significant reduction in noise. Powered by 240 kWh batteries, the L120H Electric Conversion has a runtime of around five hours in medium-duty applications and charges from 0-100% in 1.5 to two hours. The machine will feature Comfort Drive Control, Load Assist with On-Board Weighing, and radar detection with the Collision Mitigation System. Volvo aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, with significant emission reductions by 2030. The L120H Electric Conversion is part of a wider strategy to provide sustainable solutions in mid-sized machines, complementing the company’s electric compact wheel loaders and excavators. Volvo will showcase its first mid-sized piece of heavy equipment to be electrified, the EC 230 excavator, at