The wheel loader is powered by a lithium-ion battery as opposed to a combustion engine and can run for about eight hours during normal operation. PHOTO: Jonas Ljungdahl/Volvo
BERLIN—Volvo Construction Equipment has revealed its latest foray into the emerging market for electric construction equipment.
The company showed off its LX2 compact electric wheel loader last week at the Volvo Group Innovation Summit in Berlin.
Designed to lower noise levels and reduce operational costs, the prototype produces zero on-site emissions. The LX2 is Volvo’s second generation of compact electric wheel loader, though like its predecessor, will not be commercially available.
Ulrich Fass, the company’s Emerging Technologies manager, said the prototype is a “revolutionary” machine.
“It incorporates the latest advanced chemistry battery technology,” he said in a statement. “As it’s electric, no particulate matter, nitrogen oxide or carbon dioxide are released into the environment. This, together with the fact that it has extremely low noise levels, makes it ideal for use in cities and densely populated areas, as it can be used without disturbing people.”
The wheel loader is powered by a lithium-ion battery as opposed to a combustion engine and can run for about eight hours during normal operation. It has separate electric engines for its drivetrain and hydraulic systems.
The LX2 is part of a wider electric initiative at Volvo aimed at outfitting construction and mine sites with quieter, far more fuel efficient equipment.
Take an in-depth look at the emerging category: Starting small: Hybrid and electric equipment looks to earn its place
