Volvo CE install 138 EV charging stations in Eskilstuna
Company takes another step on the way to net-zero emissions in the value chain by 2040
SOON, up to 138 electric vehicles will be able to charge simultaneously at Volvo Construction Equipment’s production plant in Eskilstuna, Sweden.
The installation, which is being carried out in partnership with Vattenfall InCharge, is unique in that it is being executed using Volvo CE’s fully electric construction machines, thereby reducing the climate footprint during the construction phase.
The number of electric vehicles is increasing at a record pace, and a continued strong expansion of charging infrastructure is necessary to meet the growing demand. This is true at home, in public places, and in the workplace.
‘We are seeing more and more of our 2,000 employees at the Eskilstuna site switching to electric vehicles, and we need to provide them, as well as our customers and other visitors, with the means to charge their cars,’ said Anne Bast, communications manager at Volvo CE in Eskilstuna.
‘The future of the construction industry is electric, and our goals at Volvo CE include halving carbon emissions from our own operations and significantly increasing our sales of electric machines by 2030. The ambition is to be completely climate neutral in the value chain by 2040.
‘Building charging infrastructure with electric machines together with Vattenfall InCharge is a step on the way to net-zero emissions in the value chain. The whole climate challenge requires collaboration, and we hope that through this initiative we will also be able to inspire others to take a greater part in this journey of change.’
‘Interest in electric vehicles is growing in all segments, and Volvo CE are an exciting partner who have seen the need to give their employees the opportunity to charge at work. It is particularly pleasing that the 138 new charging stations will now also be installed with Volvo’s own electrically powered construction equipment, as the carbon footprint in construction phases can otherwise often be high,’ said Susanna Hurtig, Nordic manager for E-mobility at Vattenfall.
The charging stations are connected to Vattenfall InCharge, allowing monitoring of consumption and control and invoicing of usage through various digital services. ‘The intention is that this will give Volvo CE employees a convenient and reliable charging experience,’ added Ms Hurtig.
The electricity comes from hydropower bearing the ‘Good Environmental Choice’ ecolabel and an EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) from Vattenfall. The hardware consists of CTEK chargers with an output of 3.7kW.
