InfraStructures - February 2022 - Volvo CE Develops Full Power of Electric Ecosystem with E-Worksite

Volvo CE Develops Full Power of Electric Ecosystem with E-Worksite

A groundbreaking research project with Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) and partners to explore every aspect of the electric ecosystem is helping to deliver a complete site solution for real urban applications.

Together with multiple municipalities, cities and academic and industry partners, Volvo CE is thoroughly testing every part of how an electric machine is put to work from a system perspective – from charging infrastructure through to energy supply and more. The Electric Worksite (E-Worksite), which launched last year in Gothenburg, Sweden, not only sets the global benchmark for electric jobsites but also tests electric machines’ specific requirements across different tasks within a demanding urban environment. It is a vital next step in the manufacturer’s electrification journey and a testament to its commitment to achieving net zero value chain greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, as validated by the Science Based Targets initiative.

E-Worksite is a long-running research project that explores the site requirements for electromobility over the next 2 years across a variety of different applications. It has now completed the development of a new recreation area within the major city park Färjenäsparken and is currently working on the redesign of the Drottningtorget city square, both in the heart of Gothenburg, the second largest city in Sweden. Here, the customer transformation from diesel machines into more sustainable environmental solutions is guided by a fully holistic exploration of every aspect of site management. The project is funded by the Swedish Energy Agency, with Volvo CE working in close collaboration with Gothenburg City, NCC, Gothenburg Energy, Lindholmen Science Park, Chalmers University of Technology and ABB Electrification Sweden, among many others to conduct a largescale machine demonstration in Gothenburg.

In the first phase, a number of electric machines already available to buy on the market are being put to the test, including the L25 Electric wheel loader and ECR25 Electric excavator, which are carrying out minor construction work, material moving and landscaping. A larger 30-t grid-connected excavator will be tasked with more energy-demanding jobs at different construction sites, to start in spring 2022.

Project planners are answering questions such as how to ensure best value for money for customers and what are the most energy efficient methods of supplying electricity to power the machines. Beyond the technology itself, business models, infrastructure and support systems, regulatory frameworks and a mindset change are all required on the road to full acceptance. It is a complex puzzle to solve as there will be no one size fits all. The findings will prove important for industry partners in bringing technical solutions to market.

Launching the project in an urban application allows for a demonstration of the advantages electric machines bring to city life – low noise, low emissions and a much more peaceful environment for society in general.

Source: Volvo Construction Equipment

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