Charging large construction equipment

Charging mid-size excavator with a power unit

Volvo electric construction equipment

Delivering charging solutions for larger construction machines

There is no limit on our decarbonization ambitions. When it comes to making construction equipment more sustainable, we think about every size class - from compact equipment through to our larger heavier machines. But no matter the size, charging infrastructure remains a top priority.

We are committed to ensuring our customers have access to flexible charging solutions to support their varied needs, whether that’s overnight charging or fast charging using DC chargers or portable power units. This ensures the best possible runtime to keep operations running smoothly.

We help supply power sources that ensure customers can keep up with their sustainability goals, while never sacrificing on performance. The lithium-ion technology in our batteries is best-in-class, so that our customers know they have in their hands a strong and reliable electric solution that can keep up with the toughest of demands no matter where they are.

Our electric construction equipment range is getting bigger in number and size. Our growing portfolio now includes large electric excavators and wheel loaders. These solutions are fulfilling market appetite for larger general purpose machines that can work more sustainably with zero emissions and near silence.

To support a smooth implementation into the market, we have devised a range of charging options for optimum runtime, power and performance that can be adapted to suit the changing demands of today’s construction sites.

What type of charger do you need?

	Overnight charging cable 22kW AC Type 2	Portable 20/40kW DC	180kW DC charging station	Mobile power unit PU500
EC230 Electric	10h	5h 30 min	1h 30 min	1h 30 min
L120H Electric conversion	10h	5h 30 min	1h 30 min	1h 30 min

600V charging solutions for larger electric construction machines

Overnight charging cable 22kW AC Type 2

This charging cable is to be used for overnight charging after the workday. This option comes automatically with the machine and can also be ordered separately if required.

Moveable DC charger 40/60/80kW

COMING SOON

Moveable fast charging station recommended for workshops where you can have different workstations and there is no need to have a fixed charging station.

Stationary fast DC charger 120/150/180kW

COMING SOON

Stationary fast DC charging station suitable for machine quick charge during lunch break. Available in 120kW, 150kW and 180kW versions.

Stationary ultra fast DC charger 240/320/400kW

COMING SOON

Stationary ultra fast DC charging station suitable for machine quick charge during lunch break. Available in 240kW, 320kW and 400kW versions.

Modular mobile Power unit PU500

This modular mobile power unit provides easy charging for electric machines and it’s designed for outdoor use, when on-site grid access is not available.

*Selected markets only

No access to the grid? No worries

With flexibility and sustainability in mind, we have designed a reliable and mobile 600V power unit that can deliver rapid charging for larger mid-size construction machines and all types of electric vehicles including trucks and passenger cars, no matter where in the world they are. Specifically designed to provide energy to remote locations or areas with limited grid access. The transportable unit also offers the benefit of peak shaving, which involves both continuous low-power charging of the batteries and a high-power fast charging when needed. This ensures customers get exactly the type of charging they need to get the job done in one handy unit.

Maintenance free lithium-ion technology

Unlike lead-acid batteries there is no memory effect with lithium-ion batteries. And unlike diesel engines there are no moving parts which means no parts requiring servicing. Here are some top tips to ensure the best health of your lithium-ion batteries:

Keep the charge between 20% and 80%
Use AC as much as possible
Use DC to quickly recover power during example a lunch break
Avoid extreme temperatures where possible.

Fast charging of large excavator

Charging can easily fit around your work schedule. Operator Richard Sjöblom went from skeptic to believer when he saw first hand how little charging impacted his daily routine and operations; “We charged the battery from 14 % to 58 % in half an hour".

Stay ahead by planning your charging in advance

Going electric doesn’t have to be harder. It is simply just a different way of working. Good planning is absolutely essential to making the most of your electric machine and you will find it not only removes any stress, but allows you to optimize your workday. In most cases, under normal applications, you will even find that charging may not be needed during the day at all, and it is only with heavier applications that you will need to factor in some short ‘opportunity charges’ during your normal work breaks over the day.

Urban building with electric mid-size excavator

Electric construction starts here

Electric compact wheel loader and excavator

Charging compact construction machines

Compact construction machines are often used in lighter applications and fewer hours per day so the charging need is also different from the larger machines.

With electric compact construction vehicles you can often manage to work a full day with just overnight charging. Find out more about charging compact excavators and compact wheel loaders.

Charging compact machines