We recently attended Volvo CE’s launch and demo of its latest range of construction equipment at its home base in Eskilstuna, Sweden.
Naturally, Volvo put on a fantastic show with an equally fantastic line-up of next generation models from excavators and ADT’s to new mid-range electric loading shovels.
Taking place in Eskilstuna, Sweden, Volvo Days is the first major showcase since the company announced the site as its new corporate headquarters in August last year.
Here at this flagship event, we got the inside look at Volvo CE’s very latest launches and innovations across both electric and conventional solutions, as well as its range of digital tools – and meet the people making it happen.
Excavators
A new range of excavators from Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) show they have the edge with a modern makeover that takes customers into the future – while pushing the boundaries of productivity, fuel efficiency and total cost of ownership.
The newest models have been revamped to be more spacious and ergonomic than ever before as part of an ambitious design concept to help customers achieve outstanding results.
The new range – thanks in large part to a new operator environment with improved human machine interface (HMI) – not only looks good but has been built to robustly respond to the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Kurt Deleu, Head of Product Management Excavators, says: “We have always been proud to lead the market with our innovative line of excavators, and now with this new range we are helping our customers get even more out of their machines.
This modern design significantly improves the operator experience, allowing machine and human to deliver a powerful performance fit for the challenges of today’s worksites.”
First to be introduced in Europe and Turkey are the newest EC500, EC400 and EC230 crawler excavators – all of which benefit from the same impressive range of technologically advanced features and were unveiled at Volvo Days 2024 in Eskilstuna, Sweden.
Improved fuel efficiency and TCO
The intelligent technology behind the new electro-hydraulic system enables sensors to monitor operator movements and send signals to command the enhanced main control valve. The result is smooth and precise movement of the excavator’s boom, bucket and other attachments, as well as more accurate digging and loading.
Among a host of other efficiency-boosting features are a smart cooling system, engine speed regulation and engine pump optimization to further minimize energy consumption, as well as an auto power boost function to ensure an automatic setting of the system pressure.
All these extra features not only result in improved fuel efficiency but are a cost-effective boost to total cost of ownership (TCO).
ELECTRIC AVENUE
In a further move towards a more sustainable construction industry, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has announced three new electric machines, adding to its already wide range of zero exhaust emission solutions.
We watched the L120 in action and it was very capable indeed and we are reliably told it will last up to 10 hours or a full day working.
The L120 Electric wheel loader, L90 Electric wheel loader and EWR150 Electric wheeled excavator are the latest powerful innovations to be introduced to the market and support customers’ fossil-free ambitions.
Unveiled for the first time at Volvo Days 2024, they are a cleaner, smarter choice for customers looking to decarbonize their operations, lower operating costs, open new business opportunities and enjoy a more comfortable working environment.
With these electric solutions, ranging in size from 15-20 tons, Volvo CE is expanding its offering into new segments. Further, they are empowering customers to work in low carbon zones and noise sensitive areas, as well as indoors without the need for extra ventilation systems and outside of standard working hours – thanks to the lack of exhaust fumes and quieter operation.
Furthermore, the machines boast a 65% energy cost reduction on average, 30% less maintenance and zero engine-related consumables, making them a cost-effective solution for the modern worksite.
They also deliver the same, if not better performance, than their diesel counterparts. With less noise, vibrations and heat, operators report more pleasant working conditions, reduced fatigue and the ability to more easily communicate.
Elodie Guyot, Head of electromobility sales for region Europe at VCE said: “Our commitment to building a better world relies on us driving sustainable change across different equipment types and size classes. We already have dependable electric solutions out in the field across our compact portfolio and a growing part of our mid-size range. We are excited to continue delivering on this commitment now with three medium-sized zero-emission innovations, across new lines and sizes, all of which benefit from our industry-leading, high-performing electric technology.”
Exclusive sneak peek
Also among the displays at Volvo Days is an exclusive sneak peek at the all-new A40 coming later in the year, building on Volvo CE’s rich legacy as an industry pioneer of articulated haulers, and the launch of the R60 and R70 rigid haulers, signaling an expansion of hauling options for customers.
Just like other conventional Volvo CE machines, the new additions to the portfolio can be powered by renewable HVO100 (hydrogenated vegetable oil), which significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to traditional diesel.
Joakim Arndorw, Head of Sales Region International, said: “These new ranges, alongside our electric solutions, prove that Volvo CE is well-equipped to respond to the different needs of our customers in both regulated and less regulated markets, leveraging our strength to implement meaningful innovation across all our offerings as we move closer towards our ambition for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.”
