Volvo CE introduce first electric machine for road segment

New DD25 Electric is a zero-exhaust emission compact double-drum asphalt compactor

VOLVO Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) are unveiling the latest addition to their growing portfolio of electric machines – and their first for the road segment – with the zero-exhaust emission DD25 Electric compact double-drum asphalt compactor for small-scale compaction projects.

Set to make its debut at this year’s Conexpo trade show in Las Vegas, the newest addition to Volvo CE’s line-up of electric machines is the first to be designed specifically for the asphalt industry and is expected to be available in select markets from the first quarter of 2024.

Volvo CE say this latest innovation is an important milestone in their ambition to reach net-zero value chain greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 – as validated by the Science Based Targets initiative – and is part of the Group’s target to have at least 35% of its total range of vehicles fully electric by 2030.

Ray Gallant, vice-president of product management and productivity at Volvo CE North America, said: ‘As a global leader in construction solutions, delivering premium products and services, we not only have a responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint, but we are committed to leading the way and providing real-life solutions for our customers that will help them meet their own sustainability goals. We are proud to expand our portfolio of electric machines and extend our offering to the road segment.’

The electric driveline of the DD25 Electric is based upon the same proven architecture and components found on Volvo CE’s ECR25 Electric compact excavator and L25 Electric compact wheel loader – the first electric machines available for the construction market, launched in 2020 – which are proving a success in a variety of different applications and markets across the globe.

Its zero-emission operation makes the DD25 Electric ideal for sensitive or urban environments with strict emission regulations and for organizations who are looking to meet their own sustainability goals. Zero tailpipe emissions also mean a cleaner and more enjoyable work environment for operators, site teams and passers-by.

Expected to operate for a full shift on a single charge, depending upon the type of job and intensity of the work cycle, the DD25 Electric has the same charging solutions as its forerunners the ECR25 Electric and L25 Electric, allowing customers to choose the right solution depending on their operational requirements.

The machine comes with an integrated on-board charger which allows charging from zero to 100% in as little as three hours, depending on AC power level. With an optional off-board DC fast charger this can be achieved in little over an hour, which offers a practical solution to top-up the machine’s charge during the lunch break.

Combining the proven Volvo Asphalt Compactor platform with battery power, the DD25 Electric offers 24kW of available power, 30% more than the conventional Volvo DD25B. The result is a more responsive machine in terms of speed and vibrations, which performs better on grade, thanks to the size of its components.

With 360-degree visibility and high-frequency compaction, Volvo CE say operators can achieve a smooth-finish asphalt surface with speed. Frequency can be adjusted from 3,500vpm/55Hz to 4,000vpm/67Hz to cater for different applications.

Moreover, with no engine to service and with electric components, batteries, and motors all being maintenance free, maintenance requirements are reduced, saving customers time and money.