How heavy construction equipment is going green.
With the rise of electric vehicles on the road, it’s not surprising that the construction industry is looking into making heavy equipment electric as well. Within the next twenty years, it’s possible that machinery like backhoes, excavators, bulldozers, grazers, and other heavy construction equipment will switch from diesel engines to electric. Learn more about this green evolution that will bring major changes to the commercial construction industry.
Over the past several years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been setting stricter emissions standards for diesel engines, such as the ones used in construction machinery. Recently, the EPA has set limits for near-zero levels of nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions. To meet these reductions, engineers have been researching and developing electric technology that will meet emissions standards while still providing the power and performance that construction teams require.
On a global level, the construction industry is responsible for about 11% of energy-related carbon emissions. This is why the sector is under so much pressure to make green changes. Many construction equipment manufacturers recognize the importance of creating more sustainable vehicles and have plans to unveil hybrid or all-electric models of their current equipment lineups. Some of the most promising releases include the following:
- Volvo CE- EX2 compact excavator (2017), EC15-EC27 compact excavators (expected 2020), L20-28 wheel loaders (expected 2020)
- Bobcat- E10e electric mini excavator (2016)
- JCB- 19C-1 E-Tec excavator (2018)
- Caterpillar- Z-line excavator (2019)
- Wacker Neuson- Ez17e mini excavator (2018), their existing lineup consists of several zero emissions machines including electric wheel loaders, battery-powered rammers, and a dual-power excavator.
- Hyundai CE- battery-powered mini excavator
This is what you need to know about heavy construction equipment going electric. Curious to learn more about the newest green tech trends in the construction industry? If so, then turn to your Pleasanton contractor at Proforma Construction. Serving Pleasanton and the surrounding California area, our highly-trained team is ready to make your commercial construction dreams a reality.