Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has launched a solution to convert its L120 mid-sized wheeled loaders to electric.
The solution has been developed in conjunction with partner Parker Hannifin and converted by Volvo Group’s own CE Engineering Solutions. The 20-tonne L120H Electric Conversion will be commercially available for selected customers in Europe during 2023.
Volvo CE states: “Using the market recognised conventional machine as the base, which will still be offered to customers, the electric conversion model will deliver the same performance with the upside of doing so emission free.”
Volvo CE adds that it is working with CE Engineering Solutions and selected electromobility partners to accelerate the availability of commercialised electric solutions across all segments and applications. This latest collaboration to expand its line of electric wheeled loaders follows Volvo CE’s investment in Dutch manufacturer Limach, announced in June 2022, to broaden the company’s electric excavator portfolio.
The manufacturer says this partnership approach, which allows for speedier implementation to the market, happens in parallel with the company’s continued development of more electric solutions – like the EC230 Electric, a 23-tonne battery electric excavator, built on Volvo CE’s own technology. It adds both approaches are needed if the industry as a whole is expected to reach carbon reduction targets, like Volvo CE has set out in its commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 – with significant emission reductions as early as 2030 – as part of the Science Based Targets initiative.
Carl Slotte, head of sales region Europe at Volvo CE, comments: “There is no time to wait – we need to deliver solutions that allow our customers to achieve their decarbonisation goals. Change starts here. Our commitment to partnership allows us to take a leading position in transforming our industry, with electric solutions that are built to fulfil market demand and tailored to suit the changing needs of our customers. Working together, we are scaling up our portfolio of electric machines, extending the versatility of our range and transforming our industry towards a carbon neutral future.”
Volvo CE says the L120H Electric Conversion delivers the same powerful performance as its diesel counterpart, but with zero exhaust emissions and near silent operation. These benefits combine to offer enhanced comfort for both the operator and those working near the machine.
Powered by 240 kWh batteries, it provides a runtime of approximately five hours in most medium duty applications. Consistent with Volvo’s existing charging solutions, it is estimated to charge from 0-100% in just 1.5-2 hours.
The L120H Electric Conversion offers the following features as standard: Comfort Drive Control, Load Assist with On-Board Weighing plus radar detection with our new Collision Mitigation System. In addition, the L120H Electric Conversion will be supported by dedicated electromobility applications which allow the operator to check battery and charging status and to preheat the cab.
Volvo CE says that, depending on market demand, it brings the possibility to convert existing customers’ L120H wheeled loaders to electric in the future.
