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Volvo develops electric digger for Chinese market

Volvo CE has developed a new electric excavator, specifically for the needs of the Chinese market, which will soon go for customer testing. The EC55 Electric customer pilot weighs 5.5 tonnes and is based on its diesel-powered counterpart, the EC55D. Since the energy running costs are 50% lower and the maintenance requirements simpler, the EC55 Electric also achieves higher uptime and a lower total cost of ownership. These benefits are on top of its quieter operation, better performance and controllability, and its zero emissions.

The machine has been designed and built at the Volvo facilities in Jinan, China, using as many Chinese-sourced components as possible. Two lithium battery packs of 350V – the same voltage found in Chinese homes and electric cars – and a standard Chinese charging solution allow operators to plug-and-play. Typical applications for this class of excavator include materials handling, site preparation in the building and construction industries, landscaping, and light utility work. The EC55 Electric will be able to work continuously on these tasks for four and a half hours without charging or nine hours with a lunch-hour fast charge.

Volvo CE has also included the latest telematics system in China, enabled by Volvo ActiveCare proactive monitoring, to fulfil Chinese electromobility data regulations and meet aftermarket service requirements. The manufacturer says these in-built telematics will provide instant feedback, accelerating the company’s understanding of the excavator’s operation and performance for faster development.

This is the first time the company has introduced any sort of concept machine in China, let alone a mature pilot machine ready for customer testing. China has emerged as the largest e-mobility market in the world, as it strives to achieve greener practices.

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