Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) India took center stage at Excon 2023, South Asia’s largest Construction Equipment event, showcasing its commitment to sustainability with an impressive display of electric machines. The event marked a milestone for Volvo CE, highlighting its dedication to empowering customers with tools to achieve productivity and sustainability goals in the construction and mining sectors. Nitin Gadkari, the Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, has officially inaugurated Volvo CE’s extensive range of new products at EXCON 2023.
One of the key highlights was the commercial launch of the EC500 Electric, India’s first grid-connected electric excavator in the 50-ton class. This groundbreaking machine signals Volvo CE’s pioneering role in transitioning to zero-emission mining and construction machinery. The EC500 Electric represents a significant step toward sustainable operations in sectors such as mining, material handling, steel, cement, and urban infrastructure.
Volvo CE also introduced the L120 Electric Wheel Loader as a pilot launch, offering a glimpse into the future of material handling. The wheel loader certifies no tailpipe emissions, near-silent operations, and a more comfortable work environment for indoor and outdoor applications. The EC80 Electric, demonstrated as a near-production prototype, joins the existing compact EC55 electric and is designed for urban construction and forestry, delivering superior performance with a substantial battery life of 6-8 hours.
Volvo CE’s address to local solutions was evident with the display of electric compactors, DD40 and PT220 that are designed and manufactured solely in India. The DD40 Electric Compactor offers zero-emission operation, reliable charging, and advanced instrumentation, potentially reducing energy costs by up to 50%. Meanwhile, the PT220 Electric is tailored for environmentally sensitive areas with stringent emission regulations, ensuring cleaner and quieter construction operations.
Dimitrov Krishnan, Managing Director of Volvo CE India, emphasized the company’s role in driving positive change in the industry, “CII Excon 2023 is a crucial platform for demonstrating our unwavering commitment to shaping the future of construction. We stand at the forefront of an Indian earthmoving equipment market projected to reach a phenomenal 10-15% CAGR over the next five years. This surge is driven by the growing demand for clean technologies, perfectly aligning with Volvo CE India’s mission to be a catalyst for positive change.
Our excavators, haulers, wheel loaders, and other equipment cater to a diverse range of sectors, including construction, mining, infrastructure development, and material handling. We go beyond offering products; we drive a paradigm shift with innovative electric solutions and comprehensive sustainability support. By making sustainable options accessible and desirable, we aim to leave a lasting legacy of positive change,”
Apart from electric innovations, Volvo CE showcased its champion 20-ton excavator, the EC210D, demonstrating performance and productivity. The company also emphasized its commitment to supporting customer success with new-age service solutions, including Equipment as a Service (EaaS). This value-added service model bundles state-of-the-art equipment with efficiency measures, addressing concerns about capital costs, skilled manpower, and technology updates, making the transition to electric machines easier for customers. Volvo CE India’s suite of productivity services includes operator simulators, smart assist solutions, machine configuration, and training. The company also provides uptime services, such as automatic machine monitoring and real-time tech support, ensuring maximum uptime for its customers.