Skanska Concludes 90-Day Pilot Program Using Volvo EC230 Electric Excavator
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Courtesy of Skanska
LOS ANGELES – The Volvo EC230 Electric excavator was used in a 90-day pilot program by Skanska on LA Metro’s Purple (D Line) Extension Transit program.
Skanska announced it has completed the 90-day pilot program using the Volvo EC230 Electric excavator on the Purple (D Line) Extension Transit Program in Los Angeles. The use of the zero-emissions equipment was the among the first to pilot the excavator in North America. According to Skanska, the goal of the trial was to “test the capability of a battery-powered excavator to perform the necessary construction work, particularly in relation to its diesel-powered counterpart.” In addition, the study advances its mission of reducing carbon emissions on jobsites.
The excavator was used to “load trucks of export construction material from a stockpile.” Skanska says the results indicate that the excavator performed the activities as intended and kept the pace on schedule as well as reduced emissions and lowered costs. Carbon was reduced per hour by 66% (34 kilograms) and saved around 74% in cost per hour ($15.15). The benefits of the electric excavator include less vibration and noise than the diesel-powered counterpart. Below is a video of the excavator in action:
Director of Sustainability and Equipment Services for Skanska USA Civil, Mason Ford, said, “Skanska is proud to be a part of this pilot with Volvo which can serve as a catalyst for the evolution and adoption of lower emission construction practices. . . Aligned with our commitment to a cleaner future, the successful completion of this pilot program represents a significant stride forward for the entire industry. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but this type of investigation into the possibilities furthers the conversation around electrification and sustainable innovation within civil construction.” By 2030, Skanska hopes to achieve a 70% carbon reduction in its operations.
The Volvo EC230 Electric demonstration unit was supplied to Skanska by Sunbelt Rentals. The excavator was previously launched in Europe where Skanska utilized it on the Slakthusomdrådet project.
