While not yet mainstream, battery-powered mini machines prove they will stay in construction.
Over the past few years, manufacturers have shown prototypes of battery-powered mini machines at major industry shows. But until recently, the availability of actual production machines was very limited. This is changing, and you might want to be aware, because these machines can provide unique advantages in a particular application.
“We believe the market has accepted the specific uses for which diesel emissions, noise and fuel storage requirements pose risks to health, noise and the environment,”says Joe Schroeder of Kovaco Electric Joe Schinasi said. These scenarios include indoor architecture, agriculture and animal husbandry, tourism, resorts, etc. .”In these applications, electrical equipment is clearly advantageous.
“Nevertheless, we believe it may take another five to 10 years before electric heavy equipment outstrips diesel as a share of sales, as there are still lingering dependencies that need to be addressed,”he noted, like battery technology, battery costs, charging infrastructure, and consumer comfort with electrical equipment, “Just like electric passenger cars, government incentives and regulation may help accelerate the adoption of electric heavy equipment.”
But the concerns of potential customers must be addressed. Lasse, product manager for Volvo’s Construction Equipment Division, said: “To make electric devices the norm, machines need to be designed and proven to overcome the main concerns of sceptical buyers about energy capacity, performance and price,”says Arnold.
Volvo’s initial efforts to gain customer recognition focused on battery-powered mini wheel loaders and excavators. “In our journey to electrification, we started with small machines, because they are versatile and in high demand, and the battery option works best on small machines these days,”Arnold said. “For larger machines, it can be a mix of energy recovery, fuel cells, cables and alternative fuels.
“In the next five to 10 years, all new Volvo mini excavator and wheeled loader models are likely to be electric,”he predicts. “We are also looking at the electrification of other types of machines. Charging larger machines is still a challenge, but it’s a solution we’re actively looking for. By the end of the century, full-size models are likely to be a mix of diesel, hybrid and electric.”
