Charged recently chatted with Fredrik Tjernström from Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) to learn about the OEM’s electrification journey. Tjernström detailed Volvo CE’s gradual and strategic progression in electrifying its equipment lineup, starting four years ago with compact machines such as fully electric compact excavators and wheel loaders. He highlighted recent advancements, including launching electric excavators above 10 tons, specifically the significant introduction of their 23-ton fully electric excavator, underscoring Volvo’s proactive expansion into larger machinery segments.
Tjernström emphasized the multifaceted motivations behind Volvo CE’s electrification efforts. While reducing carbon dioxide emissions remains a primary driver, he stressed the immediate local environmental benefits, notably the drastic reduction in nitrogen oxides and particulate emissions. These benefits significantly enhance air quality, positively affecting operator health and the well-being of surrounding communities.
Additionally, electric machinery substantially reduces noise and vibrations, improving operator comfort, reducing fatigue, and increasing overall productivity on construction sites.
The conversation explored Volvo CE’s innovative approach toward electrification. Besides battery-electric solutions, Volvo is actively investigating alternative technologies such as fuel-cell electric machinery and grid-connected systems, which are especially valuable in stationary construction scenarios. Fredrik highlighted the importance of tailoring electrification strategies to diverse operational contexts, emphasizing flexibility and adaptation based on available infrastructure and specific site requirements.
Tjernström also addressed customer challenges and common concerns regarding electrification. He candidly discussed the practical considerations construction companies must navigate when adopting electric machinery. The company recommends starting electrification efforts in locations with existing infrastructure and noted that in many cases, electricity is more readily available than perceived. He further emphasized the importance of careful project planning, potentially adjusting operational behaviors to accommodate and optimize new electric technologies.
Another intriguing aspect Tjernström covered in the interview was Volvo’s experience and findings regarding electric machinery performance in extreme climates. He shared successful case studies where electric equipment was effectively operated in challenging temperatures ranging from the extreme cold (-30°C) to intense heat (+40°C). Such examples alleviate common misconceptions about battery performance under varying environmental conditions, reinforcing the reliability and practicality of electric solutions.
Discussing Volvo CE’s product development strategy, Fredrik explained that significant components such as electric motors, batteries, and power electronics are primarily developed in-house. This approach facilitates better quality control, integration across various product lines—including trucks—and helps streamline costs and improve efficiency. He highlighted the importance of modular design in achieving flexibility and ease of adaptation across different machine sizes and applications, enhancing overall operational and economic effectiveness.
Tjernström detailed Volvo CE’s ongoing commitment to further expanding its electrification portfolio, introducing increasingly larger and more diverse electric construction machines. He stressed the collaborative nature of this transition, underscoring the need for industry-wide cooperation involving competitors, energy suppliers, contractors, and regulators to accelerate progress. Fredrik concluded by reinforcing Volvo’s dedication to continuously innovating and supporting the broader adoption of sustainable practices across the construction industry.