Volvo CE unveil world-first electric articulated haulers
New A30 Electric and A40 Electric help quarry customers move towards zero-emission operation
BREAKING new ground in electrification, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) are introducing the powerful new A30 Electric and A40 Electric – the world’s first serial-produced battery-electric articulated haulers of their size class.
Boasting the same superior off-road performance as conventional models, the two new machines are matching zero emissions with world-class hauling for a range of segments including quarrying, mining, and construction. With a payload of 29 tonnes and 39 tonnes, respectively, these machines are now among the largest in Volvo CE’s electric portfolio.
The launch is the latest milestone in a series of hauler innovations. It not only comes 60 years after Volvo CE pioneered the world’s first articulated hauler, but also arrives shortly after the company’s recent unveiling of a new generation of conventional articulated haulers. Together, both the new electric and conventional ranges will offer customers a pioneering and productive solution for wherever they are on their transformation journeys.
Mats Sköldberg, head of technology for Volvo CE, said: ‘Our commitment to innovation continues. These electric haulers mark a major step forward in our ambition to decarbonize construction, combining the same unbeatable performance our customers know and love, with a more sustainable operation. As the world’s first battery-powered articulated haulers of their size class, we are proud to continue to evolve our portfolio by bringing our world-class electric technology into a brand new segment.’
Thanks to their powerful lithium-ion batteries, the A30 Electric hauler and A40 Electric hauler are designed to offer a run-time of 4–4.5h across most applications, though high-energy jobs may require more frequent recharging. They can even enjoy a run-time of up to 7h, depending on driving conditions. Ideal applications include downhill load carrying and uphill empty runs.
Fast charging from 20–80% in around 1h is made possible when using a DC charging solution with a maximum charging capacity of 350kW. Moreover, when powered by renewable energy these two machines offer a CO2 saving of 84% (A30 Electric) and 90% (A40 Electric) across their entire lifecycle, compared with their diesel equivalents.
The electric models not only mark a significant step forward in sustainable innovation, but also benefit from the new-generation upgrade with pioneering advancements in safety, uptime, and efficiency. Built on the new-generation platform, they feature the same innovative, modern design and enhanced fleet-management capabilities.
Advantages that come with this platform include advanced operator support systems to reduce accident risk, improved visibility for safer operation, and simplified servicing for quicker and easier maintenance.
The integrated Volvo Co-Pilot display offers easy control over media, cameras, climate, and machine status, whilst the dynamic instrument cluster provides key data at a glance.
A repositioned door, guided entry lighting, and new handrails facilitate a safe entry and exit, while the comfortable and customizable cab is designed to ensure operators enjoy an in-cab experience with more connectivity and convenience than ever before.
A more comfortable work environment is also assured with electric operation, thanks to near silence and less vibrations. Furthermore, the lack of tailpipe emissions also results in the removal of harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), improving air quality for those nearby.
Operators can also stay in the know by checking charging status, machine hours, and energy consumption using Volvo CE’s My Equipment app, whether on site or remotely.
With the addition of Haul Assist – a set of tools designed to get even more productivity and efficiency from a Volvo articulated hauler – the result is peak productivity, lower energy consumption, and less machine wear, say Volvo CE.
A limited number of A30 Electric and A40 Electric haulers are planned to be available in Europe for select customers from 2026, with increased production in the coming years.
