The construction industry is increasingly adopting electric and hydrogen-powered machinery, despite a slowdown in sales across North America and Europe in 2024. Leading manufacturers are expanding their offerings, including larger EV and hydrogen vehicles for heavy-duty tasks.
Volvo recently showcased its EC230 Electric excavator, which matches the performance of its diesel counterpart, the EC220. With up to five hours of operation on a single charge, the EC230 offers significant power with minimal environmental impact. Meanwhile, Case introduced the 580EV, the world’s first electric backhoe, designed for urban sites where clean power and reduced noise are priorities.
Battery life remains a key issue, but advances are being made. Hevi’s H65L loader can run for up to nine hours without recharging. Komatsu, on the other hand, uses electrical cables for its PC8000-11 mining excavator, eliminating emissions but requiring proximity to a continuous power source.
While the high upfront cost of electric equipment has slowed adoption, research shows battery costs will drop significantly over the next decade. A 2023 report predicts battery costs as a percentage of equipment cost will decrease from 28% in 2024 to 19% by 2030.
Hydrogen is also making an impact, with Liebherr unveiling the world’s first hydrogen-powered wheel loader, the L566H. JCB, already committed to hydrogen technology, argues it’s more suitable than batteries for machines with high power demands.
As major manufacturers like Caterpillar and Hyundai also explore hydrogen, industry experts predict that by 2040, diesel may no longer dominate construction equipment.
Related topics: