Low-emission driving and working is currently one of the main development goals of the construction machinery industry, with an international focus on battery-electric drives.

The electrification of construction machinery is making quick progress. Last year saw a whole range of new products reaching the market as well. Manufacturers have been accepting orders for electric products.  The fresh new machines have already been delivered to end customers.

Municipalities are considered the main driving force behind the use of e-construction equipment. “In many major cities, there are regulations regarding the noise and emission values permitted for the machines used on certain jobs. This is where our quiet and emission-free machines can score, as well as in applications in buildings or tunnels,” says Christian Krauskopf, Managing Director of Volvo CE Germany.

Despite all the enthusiasm for quiet and at least locally emission-free electromobility: if emissions from construction equipment fleets as a whole are to be further reduced, other technologies must also be advanced. Prof. Geimer: “In addition to other hybrid solutions, there is currently a great deal of research being done on hydrogen vehicles with fuel cells, for example. One of the problems to be solved is the tank space, since hydrogen requires a significantly larger volume than diesel for the same energy content. Furthermore, we should keep in mind the possible use of CO2-neutral biogenic fuels—especially for the very large machines and vehicles."

“The road to zero emissions” will also be one of the central themes of bauma 2022. The World’s Leading Trade Fair for Construction, Building Material and Mining Machines and Construction Vehicles and Equipment will take place from October 24 until 30, 2022 at the Munich trade fair center.