Volvo EC230 Electric debuts in France with sustainable partnership

As the first electric excavator in France of this larger size class, the 23-ton excavator is living up to environmental expectations by helping leading international construction firm Bouygues Travaux Publics (Bouygues TP) to decarbonize construction during the development of a large stud farm in the Poissy region of Paris.

Providing low noise, zero exhaust emissions and a more comfortable work environment, the electric machine has been helping to create trenches and finetune platforms and embankments during the first phase of the large-scale earthworks, which started in late 2023.

The result is a sustainable partnership that sets the standard for the decarbonization of heavy-duty construction across the French market.

Bertrand Capelle, Equipment Director at Bouygues TP, said: “We are very proud to have been chosen by Volvo CE to be the first to test out the EC230 Electric in France. It is actually a first for us to be able to operate a battery-powered, as opposed to grid-connected, machine.”

Mustapha Nouayti, Project Manager at Bouygues Travaux Publics

Mustapha Nouayti, Project Manager at Bouygues TP, added: “Electrification is one of the five drivers we have identified to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. The EC230 Electric was a natural choice for us because we have been using roughly the same size Volvo model since the start of the operation – so we wanted to ensure we get the same performance, but electric.”

Both Volvo CE and Bouygues TP have ambitious climate goals that have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). While Volvo CE has committed to achieving net zero value chain greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, Bouygues Travaux Publics too has set targets to reduce emissions by 40% across Scope 1 and 2 and by 20% across Scope 3, by 2030, in line with Bouygues Construction’s targets.

From L-R, Bertrand Capelle, Equipment Director at Bouygues TP, Elodie Guyot Head of Electromobility Solutions at Volvo CE, Nicolas Pusset, Earthmoving Equipment Manager at Bouygues TP, Davy Guillemard, President of Volvo CE France and Mustapha Nouayti, Project Manager at Bouygues TP

Elodie Guyot, Head of Electromobility Solutions, Sales Region Europe at Volvo CE, said: “For us, it was very important to work with clients like Bouygues TP who share our ambitions and vision towards decarbonized construction sites.”

The agricultural site just outside of the urban center of Paris has proved a fitting location to test out the capabilities of the EC230 Electric. The dual option for both slow and fast charging via a local network has allowed the customer to make only minor alterations to their working day, while the power and performance offered by the machine has been on a par – if not better – than its diesel counterpart.

Operator David Bouloy said: “The EC230 Electric has proved to be reliable, comfortable and more responsive – faster even than a combustion engine. I had no worries when it came to charging because it’s so simple to set up.”

For both Volvo CE and Bouygues TP, the use of the machine will provide useful insights into the best ways to implement the EC230 Electric on to various construction sites, as well as study its performance across different applications.

Davy Guillemard, President for Volvo CE France, said: “There are a lot of expectations in the French market when it comes to electromobility, but still certain concerns in terms of autonomy and price. Many of our major clients have signed SBTi agreements and we are here, as a premium brand, to deliver on new products and services, like the EC230 Electric, which can help them meet these targets.”

Volvo CE’s rental commercial model provided Bouygues TP with a smooth start to its decarbonization journey, allowing the company to become familiar with the machine before making a longer term financial commitment. It also benefited from technician training provided as part of the agreement.

Volvo CE offers a wide portfolio of electric construction equipment to suit a range of needs. To find out more about the EC230 Electric for your market, please contact your local dealer.