Volvo CE gets $2M grant to test electric excavator, loader in California | Dump Truck Company
Photo: Wayne Grayson
Volvo Construction Equipment has received a $2 million grant to test out its electric ECR25 compact excavator and L25 wheel loader in California to study pollution-reduction technology for off-road equipment.
Volvo CE says it will also add $1.5 million to the grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The EPA funding comes from the agency’s Targeted Air Shed Grant Program, which seeks to reduce air pollution in areas with high levels of smog and soot. The grant is being administered by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD), which includes Orange County, and parts of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
“The grant aims to accelerate the deployment of zero-emission technologies for off-road mobile equipment, which is one of the major contributors to nitrogen-oxide emissions in the South Coast Air Basin,” Volvo says.
“Off-road construction equipment accounts for 43 tons per day of NOx emissions in the South Coast Air Basin,” said Wayne Nastri, executive officer for South Coast AQMD. “We look forward to working with Volvo as they pave the way for the development of zero-emission technologies in this sector.”
L25 electric wheel loader. Photo: Wayne Grayson
Volvo has been testing the ECR25 and L25 in Europe and plans to test the machines in California for six months, starting with the excavator in September and the wheel loader in December. Three customers will be selected to test the machines, with the results reported back to South Coast AQMD, Volvo says.
“We are honored to be awarded this grant. It is a recognition of Volvo CE’s commitment to building a more sustainable future,” said Stephen Roy, senior vice president for the Americas, Volvo CE. “We are also excited for the opportunity to bring these prototypes to our customers in the U.S. after our big success with customers in Europe, and show that these machines are not only key tools to reduce emissions, they are also great for business, as they deliver low noise levels, high efficiency and reduced energy costs.”