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UK’s first electric Volvo mini-excavator

Eurovia Contracting, a national highway infrastructure company, has taken delivery of the UK’s first 100% electric-powered Volvo ECR25 mini-excavator. The zero-emissions, battery powered excavator has been chosen by Eurovia, as it takes steps to deliver a significant carbon reduction programme throughout the business.

“We’re on target to achieve a 40% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, which is very significant for a company that has a high degree of self-delivery,” says Matt Stubbings, divisional manager of Eurovia Contracting. “And the introduction of battery-powered machinery holds the key to achieving that goal.”

Supplied by SMT GB, the ECR25 Electric is currently the only battery-powered 3-tonne excavator on the market. It is also Eurovia’s first electrically powered excavator, and also the company’s first Volvo excavator. The zero tailswing, zero emissions ECR25 Electric delivers the same performance and power as its diesel-engined counterpart thanks to its 48V lithium battery pack. This provides a 20kWh, 450Ah supply, to operate a permanent magnet electric motor, which is used to drive the mini excavator’s hydraulic system.

Peak motor power is 18kW, reducing to 14.7kW during continuous operation. This also enables the ECR25 Electric to offer switchable work modes, through standard, Eco and Boost settings via the in-cab screen. Capable of working a 4-hour shift on a full charge, the ECR25 Electric is available with two charging options; one is through a 16A power source for over-night trickle-charging, and the other is a 32A fast-charge solution that can achieve a full-charge in around 1hr 15mins.

In addition, Eurovia Contracting has strengthened the sustainability credentials of the ECR25 Electric by investing in solar-powered batteries to boost low-carbon operations on site, reducing the use of more traditional diesel-powered generators.

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