By Jessica Porter, Contributing Author
The construction industry is responsible for 40% of annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions around the world—a statistic that will take a multi-pronged approach by all construction industry stakeholders to improve. Electric construction equipment offers one avenue to CO2 reduction. Manufacturers are developing powerful electric equipment that reduces–or eliminates–emissions.
Though progress remains slow, electric heavy equipment is becoming more accessible and common on U.S. jobsites. In 2025, adoption is expected to increase in part due to project owner requirements and government regulations fueled by carbon reduction goals. For example, six major U.S. cities and Montreal joined the North American Electric Construction Coalition in September, pledging to use more electric construction equipment on jobsites throughout North America.
These types of efforts are projected to increase the electric construction equipment market from $10.2 billion in 2023 to $44.8 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 23.6%, according to a Markets and Markets report.
Meeting Sustainability Goals
Jobsites that incorporate electric equipment reap the benefits of battery power, like no idle time or exhaust fumes, without sacrificing power or performance. Electric machines provide instant torque, removing the delay experienced with diesel-powered equipment.
“Electric machines have more power and performance than traditional equipment,” said Daniel Stibral, EV commercial account manager at Bobcat Company. “Our large-frame compact track loader is all-electric with no hydraulics on the machine. We have electric lift actuators and drive motors for the components, so we have access to instantaneous power lift, tilt, dig and push material.”
In addition to reduced emissions and improved performance, electric equipment significantly reduces noise and vibration, making them a more-viable alternative for indoor projects, as well as projects in noise- and vibration-sensitive environments.
Battery electric equipment is just a starting point to improving construction equipment, according to Dr. Ray Gallant, Vice President—Sustainability and Productivity Services for Volvo Construction Equipment. The best approach to true carbon reduction that works for construction incorporates multiple technologies—including alternative fuels, grid-connected machines, hybrid systems and hydrogen—to accommodate the many equipment applications projects require.
“We should not look at the movement toward sustainability as a rush to an endpoint,” Gallant said. “Rather, it is a series of steps forward that use the capabilities and features of various emerging technologies.”
Driving Market Growth
Volvo is leading the industry in battery electric machines with the largest electric lineup, which includes three compact excavators, two compact wheel loaders, one asphalt compactor, one mid-size excavator and one mid-size wheel loader.
“Compact equipment accounts for most electric models available today because that is where battery capacity is most viable now,” said Gallant. “Higher-voltage battery systems have made mid-size battery-electric equipment possible, but as we move into larger machines, different technologies are necessary.”
Bobcat Company focuses on compact electric equipment as well, offering 1-ton and 2-ton mini excavators as well as a large-frame compact track loader.
Though fully electric equipment is newer on the scene, hybrid machines have been in the market for more than 10 years.
“In some product size classes, diesel-electric solutions have gained notable market share, which is expected to increase in the coming years as more offerings become available,” said John Deere Product Manager Grant Vin Tine.
Today, John Deere offers four diesel-electric wheel loader models. The loading and transport work performed in aggregates applications make wheel loaders a great fit for electrification, according to Vin Tine. The electrified drivetrain provides better performance and lower fuel consumption compared to traditional drivetrain.
“We should expect a future mixed with diesel, diesel-electric and full electric construction machines,” Vin Tine said. “Some contractors are ready for full electric machines today. Others may take many years before making the switch to electric.”
In addition to John Deere, Bobcat and Volvo, manufacturers currently leading the electric equipment market include Caterpillar Inc., Komatsu Ltd. and Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., according to the Markets and Markets report.
Making the Transition
The most important factor operators need to remember when switching from traditional to electric equipment is simple: Plug them in at the end of the day to make sure they’re ready for use every morning.
According to Gallant, the best option for extending the life of the battery is slow charging using Level 1 (120-volt) or Level 2 (220- or 240-volt) AC charging. DC rapid charging (typically 480 volts) can be used as well but should be used more sparingly because the heat generated can decrease battery life.
“We don’t yet know how long the batteries will last in all applications because the technology is so new, but it’s estimated that a quality-built battery will last around 10 years,” Gallant said.
Battery Best Practices
Additionally, contractors need to train operators to use electric equipment, starting with the foundations of electrical theory.
“It may feel like a big shift at first, but it’s just like when telematics and in-cab displays started becoming more prominent,” said Gallant. “Once you have the knowledge it becomes pretty simple, and you’re set up for a future that will increasingly include electric machines.”
Generally, electric equipment maintenance is significantly less than their diesel counterparts, as the machines include 50% less moving parts compared to a traditional engine, according to Stibral. Upkeep of non-electric components is the same, but the lack of engine and associated parts like diesel exhaust fluid and filters decreases maintenance requirements.
To get the most out of their batteries, operators should follow these tips.
- Keep an electric machine at around a 90% state of charge and refrain from charging up to 100% too often.
- Don’t let the battery get too low. If the machine is going to be unused for an extended period, keep the battery around 40% to 50% charged.
- Try to use an AC slow charger at least once a week and let the battery management system balance the battery packs.
- Pre-condition the machine, particularly during cold months. Pre-conditioning brings the battery’s internal temperature up to an ideal level, allowing more effective charging and potentially extending overall battery life.
- Schedule charging in shorter intervals and during work slowdowns to maximize charging efficiency and charger utilization.
The Future Is Electric
Along with increasing industry commitment to reduce carbon emissions through government regulations and construction coalitions, electrification may be pushed forward by the new presidential administration.
“Having Elon Musk in the Cabinet will help stateside manufacturers of electric equipment,” Stibral said. “I also expect some changes to incentive programs offered federally, specifically to the Inflation Reduction Act. State programs will remain intact with money already earmarked for these programs.”
Momentum is only expected to continue rising for equipment electrification. Whether equipment is fully electric, a diesel hybrid or leverages another technology, contractors will inevitably begin using heavy equipment that uses alternate fuels to meet sustainability goals–or simply to improve the bottom line by moving away from traditional fuel and reducing maintenance costs. RB
Jessica Porter is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in construction. For more information, visit www.JessicaLynnePorter.com.
