Turner Pilots Volvo’s EC230 Electric Excavator to Reduce Construction Emissions
Turner Construction Company, one of the largest construction firms globally, has begun testing the EC230 Electric excavator, Volvo Construction Equipment’s battery-electric machine, This 23-ton excavator, which the company states is “one of the largest battery-electric machines in the world.”, is the first of its kind in the medium-size category.
The pilot test is currently taking place in Silicon Valley, California on a light manufacturing reconfiguration project for Applied Materials. The excavator is expected to play key role in deep utility placement, backfilling, building pad excavation, compaction, and material movement projects. The project is slated for completion by October 2024.
Scott Young, acting president of Region North America for Volvo Construction Equipment, sees the partnership with Turner as an opportunity to revolutionize the industry. “Turner is a great organization for us to partner with to test the capabilities and benefits of a zero-emission machine that is a major advancement in bringing sustainability solutions to our industry,” said Young.
“We’re really excited to provide operator feedback to equipment manufacturers and help support the low-emission equipment market.”, said Evan Walker, Turner Construction Company project executive.
“We are dedicated to improving the environmental performance and resilience of our projects, our operations and our business. This pilot is part of our overall effort to reduce the carbon emissions of our operations. Electrifying as much equipment as possible will yield a lower-carbon, quieter, healthier and ultimately safer jobsite.”, said Turner Sustainability Manager, Emi LaFountain.
A barrier to adoption with electrified construction equipment on construction job sites is having sufficient power delivered on demand and effectively to the equipment. As part of the EC230 Electric excavator pilot, Sunbelt Rentals is providing a mobile, off-grid energy storage solution.
Sunbelt’s 600kWh battery energy storage system (BESS), provided by Sunbelt Rentals can quickly recharge the excavator during lunch breaks, enabling continuity of operations throughout the workday. “A battery energy storage system (BESS) is ideal because the power can be quickly delivered to the machine with ease in remote locations without requiring the machine to move for charging,” said Brent Coffey, Director, Product Line Management for Sunbelt Rentals.
The BESS is an emission-free and noise-free power solution, making it ideal for portable site charging. The battery storage system can also supplement combustion generators by reducing the amount of emissions emitted. BESS can also provide standby power for jobsites.
The EC230 Electric has already launched in Europe and China, with North American availability expected in 2024. It joins Volvo’s existing battery-electric heavy equipment lineup, which includes six other zero emission models. Volvo says that each of its electrified models have shown real-world benefits, including zero exhaust emissions, less noise, and reduced maintenance costs.
The Turner Construction project is one of several pilots Volvo CE has planned for the EC230 Electric excavator in North America.
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