Revolutionizing Construction: Volvo CE’s Pioneering Electromobility and Generative Data Intelligence at Volvo Days 2024

Generative Data Intelligence

Volvo Construction Equipment (CE) Reveals Bold New Range of Products at Volvo Days 2024 – CleanTechnica

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Here are a couple of press statements from Volvo regarding their latest clean technology products revealed at the recent Volvo Days 2024 event.

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is introducing an innovative option to provide off-grid electricity for compact electric machinery and various electrical tools at construction sites. The Volvo PU40, a portable power unit with a 40kWh capacity, will be offered in Europe.

One of the primary obstacles to facilitating the shift to electric vehicles is ensuring sufficient access to charging. The Volvo PU40 Power Unit addresses this issue with its compact, portable, and user-friendly design. It is capable of charging a range of devices, from Volvo's compact electric machinery to various other electrical tools and equipment on-site, including those from different brands, such as drills and saws.

You can charge the PU40 through a low-power 6kW AC connection to the grid, which helps in reducing peak demand costs. Another option is to use a 17kW DC fast charger for quicker charging. For Volvo's compact electric machines, you can use the built-in 17kW DC fast charger or a 3kW AC outlet. The AC outlet is also compatible with charging non-Volvo compact electric machines and various other electrical devices.

Filip Brkljaca, who serves as the Product Manager for Charging Solutions at Volvo CE, explained that the PU40 comes equipped with a built-in 17kW DC fast charger. This feature allows Volvo's compact electric excavators to be recharged in about an hour, and their compact electric wheel loaders in roughly two hours. Additionally, the PU40 can fast charge the compact electric machines while simultaneously slow charging its own power unit. This ensures that customers can recharge their equipment swiftly and economically, ensuring the machines are ready for use when needed, thereby enhancing on-site productivity. An extra advantage of the PU40 is its ability to charge other electrical devices.

A depiction of the process for charging the PU40 and how it powers other electrical devices:

With a weight of approximately 900 kilograms and dimensions of 1200 x 900 x 900 millimeters, the Volvo PU40 Power Unit is perfect for both mobile and fixed applications. Its compact size and light weight allow it to be easily relocated around the site to where the equipment is situated. Transporting it is straightforward, as it can be moved using pallet forks on Volvo L20 Electric and L25 Electric machines.

The Volvo PU40 Power Unit can be purchased in Europe from Volvo CE and its official dealers.

Comprehensive Electromobility Offerings

Volvo CE has introduced the Volvo PU40, a new charging solution for its expanding lineup of electric machinery, demonstrating its dedication to delivering complete customer solutions. This follows the January debut of the Volvo PU500 power unit, which boasts a capacity of approximately 330-400 kWh. Additional solutions are currently under development.

Electric machinery represents a key component in the effort to create worksites free from fossil fuels. Equally important are dependable charging systems. Volvo CE's Power Unit marks a significant advancement in their mission to reduce carbon emissions in the construction sector. This innovation aids customers in meeting environmental standards while providing a consistent and efficient power supply to complete their tasks.

In the previous year, Volvo CE released the guidelines for its 48-volt DC power supply. This move aims to simplify adoption by others and to promote a standardized industry protocol, thereby preventing the need for customers to use various chargers for a fleet consisting of multiple brands.

In an additional step towards promoting sustainability in the construction sector, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has introduced three new electric models, expanding its extensive range of emission-free solutions.

The newest additions to the market, the L120 Electric wheel loader, L90 Electric wheel loader, and EWR150 Electric wheeled excavator, are robust innovations designed to help customers achieve their goals of operating without fossil fuels.

First introduced at Volvo Days 2024, these solutions offer a more eco-friendly and intelligent option for clients aiming to reduce carbon emissions, cut down on operating expenses, unlock new business potential, and benefit from a more comfortable work setting.

Medium-sized Wonders

Volvo CE is broadening its product lineup with these electric options, which vary from 15 to 20 tons. Additionally, they are enabling clients to operate in low-emission zones and areas where noise must be minimized. These solutions are also suitable for indoor use without the requirement for additional ventilation and can be used outside regular working hours due to their emission-free and quieter performance.

In addition, these machines typically cut energy expenses by 65%, require 30% less upkeep, and don't need any engine-related consumables, positioning them as an economical choice for contemporary worksites. They offer performance that matches or surpasses that of diesel-powered machines. Moreover, with reduced noise, vibrations, and heat, operators experience more comfortable working conditions, less fatigue, and improved communication.

Elodie Guyot, who leads electromobility sales for Europe at VCE, stated: "Our dedication to creating a better world hinges on promoting sustainable transformations across various equipment types and sizes. We currently offer reliable electric options within our compact range and are expanding into more of our mid-size offerings. We're thrilled to further this commitment with three new medium-sized zero-emission products, spanning different lines and sizes, all equipped with our top-tier, high-efficiency electric technology."

Impressive power and extended operation with the L120 Electric wheel loader

Boasting a 6-ton lift capability, the pioneering 20-ton L120 Electric wheel loader proves to be an indispensable asset in various settings. Its versatility extends to construction projects, ports, logistics hubs, waste processing and recycling, urban infrastructure upkeep, as well as in the fields of agriculture and forestry.

For the majority of light to medium duty assignments, the L120 Electric is capable of operating for approximately 5-9 hours on one full charge, though this varies based on the task and conditions. When recharging is necessary, it can go from 10% to a full 100% in an hour and 40 minutes using a 180 kW DC fast charger or Volvo’s PU500 mobile power unit. Alternatively, it can be fully charged in 7 hours with a 40 kW DC portable charger, making it ideal for overnight recharging.

The L120 Electric is set to be launched in chosen markets across Europe, International Regions, India, Asia, Latin America, and North America starting in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Flexible and comfortable for operators, the L90 Electric wheel loader

As the pioneering electric wheel loader in its category, the 15-ton L90 Electric offers a versatile solution ideal for various tasks. These tasks encompass industrial material handling, forestry, agriculture, landscaping, quarries, mining, and waste and recycling.

Similar to the L120 Electric, this model features specialized electric motors for both propulsion and hydraulic functions, allowing maximum power to be delivered to each system simultaneously. Additionally, it benefits from quicker response times and shorter operational cycles compared to traditional models. The enhanced performance of the L90 Electric is primarily attributed to its newly designed Volvo transmission, which is specifically crafted for the electric framework, ensuring peak energy efficiency.

Users can effortlessly reach features and settings through the user-friendly interface, which combines the Volvo Co-Pilot system and the rearview camera, if installed.

The L90 Electric can operate for around 4-5 hours for most medium-duty tasks and can last an entire workday for lighter tasks. Like its bigger counterpart, the electric motor in the L90 Electric regenerates energy when slowing down by functioning as a generator. This helps extend the operating time and the lifespan of the brakes.

With a 150kW DC fast charger or a PU500 mobile power unit, it can go from 0% to 100% in around 70 minutes. Alternatively, using its AC on-board cable, it can be fully charged overnight in 6-7 hours.

The L90 Electric is set to launch in specific European markets in 2025.

Introducing the EWR150 Electric Wheeled Excavator: A New Category Expansion

Volvo CE is broadening its range of electric machinery with the introduction of the EWR150 Electric, the first electric wheeled excavator with a short tail design in the 15-ton class. Boasting the most compact tail swing in its category, this excavator is ideal for urban environments and tight work areas. This versatile machine, compatible with a variety of attachments, is suitable for a wide array of tasks including construction, road maintenance, utility installation, and landscaping. Thanks to its wheeled design, it can swiftly move between job sites, carrying necessary tools on a trailer, thereby reducing time and transportation expenses.

Unlike other manufacturers who offer electric versions of this machine by converting existing models, the EWR150 Electric is designed and produced as an electric machine right from the factory. This approach makes it much more energy-efficient compared to its rivals and results in a lower overall cost of ownership. The advanced batteries feature a thermal management system that keeps them at the ideal temperature, ensuring a longer lifespan.

Energy regeneration features like electric travel allow for an entire day's work on just one charge. The Volvo electric wheeled excavator can be recharged overnight by plugging its built-in 32 Amp charger into a standard wall socket or wallbox. Alternatively, it can be quickly recharged in about an hour using various optional fast chargers.

The EWR150 Electric is designed to offer excellent comfort, featuring an upgraded cab that enhances the experience compared to the older diesel-powered EWR150E model. This new generation of excavators also delivers superior performance and versatility, boasting increased reach, greater lifting capacity, and a reduced front swing radius.

Starting in mid-2025, it will be accessible to certain clients in Germany, France, Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands.

Additional Assistance

Each of the three electric models will gain advantages from the innovative My Equipment digital tool. This tool aids customers in optimizing operational time and efficiently handling the charging process by providing valuable insights into battery condition, machine usage, and energy consumption.

Similar to traditional models, these machines can also take advantage of the Load Assist and Dig Assist app suite, various compatible Volvo Attachments, and a range of services and solutions designed to ensure optimal performance.

To learn more about the latest developments in Volvo CE's range of electric machinery, please go to: https://www.volvoce.com/europe/en/products/electric-machines/

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