Electric Skid Steer Loaders & Electric Excavators - The Future Is Electric for the Construction Machinery Market
May 13, 2022
The electric construction machinery market is growing and here is what you need to know about it
Designed to stand along and compete with their traditional internal combustion counterparts, the electric construction machines are gaining popularity in the market. Along with net-zero carbon emissions, electric construction equipment also reduces noise levels and maintenance costs, while increasing operator comfort.
Let us have a look at the differences between internal combustion and electric construction machines, the reasons you should pick the electric models, the electric construction equipment currently available on the market including all electric compact track loader from Bobcat and electric mini excavators from Doosan, as well as other electric equipment used in the construction sector.
What exactly is electric construction equipment?
Construction equipment can be classified into three categories:
- Internal combustion
- Electric
- Hybrid
Though they all may look alike, the major difference in internal combustion, electric, and hybrid construction machines is what powers their engines.
Internal combustion machines rely on fossil fuels (including but not limited to diesel, LPG, and gasoline), electric machines run on lithium-ion batteries, and hybrid machines use lithium-ion batteries alongside smaller internal combustion engines.
While majority of the heavy construction and compact construction machines currently run-on internal combustion engines, the electric powered options are slowly making their way to the mainstream list of options available for the customers.
Internal Combustion vs Electric – A Comparison
Electric construction machines are designed to give a tough competition to their internal combustion, diesel-powered equivalents.
Let us take a look at where they stand on different elements:
| Internal Combustion | Electric | |
|---|---|---|
| Emissions | Emits CO2. | Net-zero carbon emissions. |
| Noise | Known for being loud. Depending on the type of machine, the noise levels can go up to 112 decibels. For reference, the normal speaking sound produces about 60 to 70 decibels of noise. | Known for being quieter. Designed to reduce noise levels to the minimal. |
| Performance | Can be used for high-intensity jobs. | Depending on the machine, they can be used on a variety of different projects as well. |
| Battery Life | As they run on fossil fuels, concerns revolve around having adequate fuel for operations. | Based on the make and model, a fully charged battery can last anywhere between 4 to 6 hours with continuous use and an entire day with cyclic use. |
| Build | Sturdy and includes more parts such as the cooling fan and hydraulics for the engine. | Sturdy but has fewer parts since they run on lithium batteries which do not require cooling fans or the traditional hydraulic system. |
| Maintenance Costs | Higher compared to electric machines. | Built with fewer parts hence run low on maintenance costs. |
| Infrastructure Needed | No special infrastructure considerations made when purchasing internal combustion machines. | A key consideration in switching to electric machines is the charging infrastructure. While the machines can work an entire day on a full charge, heavy application will require charging the machines few times during the day. So, the availability of charging ports at the customers’ locations as well as project locations is important. |
What are the benefits of going electric with construction equipment?
The main benefits of switching to electric construction machines are:
- Net-zero carbon emissions – The key differentiator between internal combustion and electric machines is also the key benefit of using electric equipment. With net-zero carbon emissions, these electric machines can be used in areas where there are restrictions on carbon emissions as well as on other air pollutants directly emitted from internal combustion equipment. The lithium-ion battery packs eliminate the need to depend on fossil fuels thus making them a greener and sustainable option. This in return also reduces operating costs as the need to refuel is eliminated.
- Reduction in noise levels during usage – With noise levels drastically reduced during usage, electric machines help protect the long-term aural health of the operators. Also, electric construction equipment can help extend the work hours in places where there are noise restrictions. Additionally, these machines can be used in areas where traditional internal combustion, diesel-powered machines are restricted or cannot be used. For example, indoors, or places with high foot traffic, children, or the elderly.
- Increased operator comfort – Reduced noise levels coupled with fewer vibrations during usage helps in increasing the operator comfort. Fewer vibrations and a quick start can be attributed to the removal of the internal combustion engine system.
- Reduced maintenance costs – As electric machines are designed with fewer parts and do not have the traditional hydraulic system in them, their maintenance, servicing, as well as operational costs are lower than their internal combustion competitors.
What are some of the options available for electric construction equipment?
Electric powered compact construction machines are quickly gaining traction. Announcements of electric powered compact track loaders, and all electric excavators, have taken the electric construction equipment market by storm.
Equipment manufacturers including Bobcat, and Doosan have introduced electric options for some of their existing diesel machines. Let us have a look at what these options are:
Bobcat
Bobcat is synonymous for innovation. Living up to their name, they have introduced the fully electric T7X compact track loader.
With 100 hp, this machine gives tough competition to the diesel-powered T76 and T740 track loaders in terms of power. Coupled with the electrical powertrain, this electric compact track loader delivers instant torque that is up to three times more than the traditional compact loaders. All in all, this electric track loader packs a stronger punch than its diesel counterparts.
Connect with one of our Sales Representatives to learn more and include this machine on your fleet.
Apart from the fully electric compact track loader, Bobcat’s lineup of electric machines also includes an electric compact excavator, E10e. While this machine is not available in the North American markets yet, it is making waves in other parts of the world with its compact design and near silent operations.
Doosan
Doosan Infracore North America’s heavy construction machines are known for their power, performance, and durability. By expanding their portfolio to include compact excavators, they are bringing their expertise to the compact machines’ segment.
Slated for launch between Q2 2023 and Q2 2024, Doosan is brining in four models of electric mini excavators. These include DX17ZE, and DX19E to be launched in 2Q 2023, DX10ZE in Q1 2024, AND DX27ZE in Q2 2024.
With different mini excavator models of different capacities, Doosan is targeting a wider range of customers. From landscaping to utility works, depending on your needs, you will have an electric mini excavator option to pick from.
Reach out to us to get more details about these upcoming models.
Other electric machines used in the construction sector
Apart from electric compact track loaders, and electric mini excavators, there are various other electric machines on the market being used by the customers in the construction sector as well as across various other industries.
These include Vermeer HG4000E Electric Horizontal Grinder, Vermeer HG6000E Electric Horizontal Grinder, Terberg YT202-EV Yard Tractor, Terberg YT203-EV Yard Tractor, Baumann EGX Electric Sideloader, and the Baumann ELX Electric Sideloader.
Other electric machines widely used are the Electric Pallet Trucks, Electric Rider Forklifts, Electric Narrow Aisle Forklifts, and the Electric Order Pickers.
All these electric machines are currently available so depending on the size, scope, and needs of your projects, we can help you pick the equipment that can get you on the path to a greener future.
Is electric the way forward for construction equipment?
The short answer is yes. With construction equipment manufacturers increasingly moving towards electric options, it is just a matter of time before we can see electric alternatives for all the existing internal combustion models.
While this reality is about 5 to 10 years away, you can be an early adopter by choosing from the options available on the market and adding green machines to your fleet.
Give us a call today and let us discuss how to introduce electric machines for your business.