Volvo CE demonstrate sustainability to top US policymakers
Display of sustainable solutions for today and tomorrow demonstrates that change is already happening
VOLVO Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) played a significant role at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ (AEM) Celebration of Construction on the National Mall event in Washington DC from 14–16 May.
With their display, Volvo CE demonstrated that sustainable solutions are available in the here and now, while also showcasing the potential for future technologies. With one of the largest industry line-ups of electric machines, the company says it is perfectly positioned to work with policymakers to support and accelerate their deployment.
Stephen Roy, president of Volvo CE’s North America region, said: ‘We are delivering the solutions we need to reduce carbon emissions and build a better world, but it is policymakers who are making decisions every day that will impact how the equipment industry will grow. In the US, we need federal, state and local governments to ensure the necessary resources are deployed to support the transition to cleaner equipment.’
The AEM event brought together more than 40 construction industry manufacturers and infrastructure-focused organizations to the National Mall, the renowned civic centre at the heart of US government in Washington DC.
Policymakers visiting the Volvo booth included Mitch Landrieu, senior advisor to the President on infrastructure, and representative Rick Larsen, ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, as well as a number of senior US representatives and leadership from the US Department of Energy.
The aim of the event was to educate policymakers, as well as the general public, on the societal benefits of modern construction equipment, while urgently driving forward the required collaboration.
Volvo CE stated that permitting reform is needed to modernize the electric grid and increase domestic production of critical minerals, whilst federal and state investments and incentives are needed to help manufacturers remain competitive in tomorrow’s markets with reliable and diversified supply chains.
Among the equipment on display at the Volvo CE booth were the mid-size EC230 Electric excavator – one of the company’s largest electric machines which will be made commercially available in North America in 2024 – and the innovative HX04, the world’s first hydrogen fuel-cell articulated hauler prototype.
