Electric powered construction machines making waves within the construction sphere with next gen machines that outperform conventional fossil fuel powered machines.
From Volvo CE with their motto “Change Starts Here – Be Ready for It” to Komatsu’s “DANTOTSU Value “which reads “Together, to “The Next” for sustainable growth” to Kubota’s brand statement that states “For Earth, For Life” – all these giant players or rather market leaders within the spectrum of construction equipment worldwide have one thing in their sight – Electric Powered Construction Equipment.
The president of Volvo CE, Melker Jernberg who was present at the 2023 CONEXPO made a practical statement during his speech that made it clear about how change creates challenges and how these challenges also simultaneously create opportunities. According to Jernberg the current transition that the world is witnessing demands sustainable solutions from every industry and sector from every perspective and it is crucial for industry players to adapt and cater to these demands and remain relevant in the future.
The CONEXPO 2023 attested to that when the scene was dominated by electric powered construction equipment with specific market objectives. For instance Komatsu introduced their latest mini excavator models that were targeted for the rental market specifically, and this as far as contractors are concerned is a practical move by the leading manufacturer. Stan Hubert, who is a contractor based in Melbourne indicated that manufacturers offering standard excavators and mini excavators for hire directly to contractors would reduce project costs as hiring excavators from third parties would be more expensive.
In general contractors do not buy equipment such as excavators and hydraulic attachments due to the significant ownership costs that these machines carry, in most case scenarios “we take excavators for rent specific durations, because it is more practical, they deliver, they pick up, they store, they maintain these machines, we just use them”, he added. Also most construction equipment suppliers that offer excavators for rent do not have or own electric powered machines in their fleet, when the truth is, electric powered excavators is what we are looking for because we could work longer hours into the night due to the low noise and low vibration of these machines
It is a fact that electric powered machines have much to offer among which includes zero exhaust emissions which makes project sited environment-friendly and safer for workers. These excavators are also more comfortable to be in which allows operators to work longer hours with less stress as these machines have been observed to reduce operator fatigue significantly. Other positive factors include easier maintenance, enhanced safety features, better reliability and serviceability, low noise, low heat and much more.
These factors are the drivers behind the current transition from fossil to electric which is changing the construction industry’s landscape almost entirely. Apart from that, the fact that governmental agencies are continuously tightening regulations linked to environmental concerns in most metropolitans, it is only a matter of time before they introduce laws that only allow electric-powered machines at project sites close to urban areas.