Volvo CE unveil expanded fleet of mid-size electric loaders

Company announces new 20-tonne Volvo L120 Electric and 15-tonne L90 Electric models

IN a further move towards a more sustainable construction industry, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has announced two new electric wheel loaders, adding to their already wide offering of zero exhaust emission solutions.

The L120 Electric and L90 Electric wheel loaders are among Volvo CE’s latest powerful innovations to be introduced to the market to support customers’ fossil-free ambitions.

Unveiled for the first time at Volvo Days 2024, they offer a cleaner, smarter choice for customers looking to decarbonize their operations, lower operating cost, open new business opportunities, and enjoy a more comfortable working environment.

With these electric solutions, ranging in size from 15 to 20 tonnes, Volvo CE are expanding their offering into new segments. Moreover, they are empowering customers to work in low-carbon zones and noise-sensitive areas, as well as indoors without the need for extra ventilation systems and outside of standard working hours – thanks to the lack of exhaust fumes and quieter operation.

Furthermore, the machines boast a 65% energy cost reduction on average, 30% less maintenance, and zero engine-related consumables, making them a cost-effective solution for the modern worksite. They also deliver the same, if not better performance, than their diesel counterparts. And with less noise, vibrations and heat, operators report more pleasant working conditions, reduced fatigue, and the ability to more easily communicate.

Elodie Guyot, head of electromobility sales for Europe at Volvo CE, said: ‘Our commitment to building a better world relies on us driving sustainable change across different equipment types and size classes. We already have dependable electric solutions out in the field across our compact portfolio and a growing part of our mid-size range.

‘We are excited to continue delivering on this commitment with these new medium-sized zero-emission innovations, all of which benefit from our industry-leading, high-performing electric technology.’

The first to launch and benefit from a 6-tonne lifting capacity, the 20-tonne L120 Electric wheel loader is a valuable partner across multiple applications, including construction sites, waste management, and recycling.

Across most light and medium duty tasks, the L120 Electric can work a full day of around 5–9h on a single charge, depending on the application and environment. When it does need to power up, it can charge from 10–100% in 1h 40min with a 180kW DC fast charger or Volvo’s PU500 mobile power unit, and in 7h with a 40kW DC portable charger, suitable for overnight charging.

The L120 Electric will be rolled out across select markets in Europe and other parts of the world from the fourth quarter 2024.

Meanwhile, the first electric wheel loader in its class, the 15-tonne L90 Electric offers a versatile solution for a wide range of jobs, including industrial material handling, quarrying and mining, and waste and recycling.

Like the L120 Electric, it not only has dedicated electric motors for propulsion and hydraulics, enabling full available power to both systems, but enjoys a faster response and shorter cycle times than conventional models. For the L90 Electric, this is largely due to its Volvo-designed transmission, brand new and purpose-built for the electric platform, resulting in optimal energy efficiency.

Operators can easily access functions and settings from the intuitive interface, which integrates the Volvo Co-Pilot and rearview camera when fitted.

The L90 Electric will last for approximately 4–5h of operation across most medium-duty applications and a full working day in lighter applications. Also, similar to its larger brother, the electric drive motors on the L90 Electric recuperate energy by acting as generators when decelerating, ensuring a longer runtime and brake life.

It can charge from 0–100% in around 70min using a 150kW DC fast charger or PU500 mobile power unit, while its AC on-board cable can power up in 6–7h for overnight charging.

The L90 Electric will be available to select markets in Europe in 2025.

Both electric models will benefit from the new My Equipment digital tool, helping customers to maximize uptime and manage the charging process more efficiently with insights into battery status, machine hours, and power consumption.

Like their conventional diesel counterparts, they can also benefit from the Load Assist and Dig assist suite of apps, a range of matched Volvo attachments, as well as services and solutions to support optimum use.