Electric powered construction equipment can provide impressive performance with lower total cost of ownership while delivering a full day’s work. If you can have all that with reasonable charge times and charging points, why not consider it? And then consider it can also eliminate emissions, reduce noise, and contribute to sustainable business operations.
Let’s start by looking at performance and cost of ownership advantages of electric equipment.
When it comes to performance, who doesn’t want more torque to push or pull across the terrain?
Electric motors produce strong torque with greater efficiency, producing power to perform!
Get the hydraulic flow you need, when and where you need it.
Hydraulic flow on electric machines does not suffer from engine droop under load. What does this mean? Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) powered machines typically operate at high RPM, especially during idle, and are commonly equipped with multiple hydraulic pumps. However, as the loads on the machine, such as track, wheel, loader, or attachment functions, increase, the engine RPM decreases. As engine RPM lowers under load so does the speed on all hydraulic pumps, not just the one demanding the most power. That results in lower available hydraulic flow, robbing power to all hydraulic functions.
Alternatively, electric equipment powers functions from a battery. The battery has no speed, just a storage of energy that each pump motor can draw from individually. That means each function, whether tracks, wheels, or the hydraulic pump for auxiliary functions can draw consistent reliable power without sacrificing performance based on what other functions are demanding. Note that hydraulic systems can be designed with variable displacement motors and other technology that enables performance as engine speed drops under loads. But such components drive up machine costs and can be more difficult and expensive to service.
Cut hydraulic maintenance costs!
Lowering maintenance costs is crucial for every business, and electrification offers significant advantages in this area. Traditional ICE-powered mobile construction machines often feature 2 to 4 pumps. Over time, these pumps will require rebuilding or replacement, and if contaminants enter the system, all 4 pumps may suffer damage.
In contrast, an equivalent electric machine typically has just one pump, resulting in considerably lower service costs and reduced risks of catastrophic failures caused by contamination in multiple pumps.
Eliminate engine maintenance and reduced planned and unplanned downtime.
The impact of this goes beyond what most people realize, especially across the life of the machine! What goes away when the combustion engine is removed? Oil & filter changes, air filter changes, fuel injector service, fuel filter replacement, fuel system sensors, accessory belts, engine coolant service, cleaning debris from radiator fins, engine and emission sensors, and regular service intervals including daily, weekly and monthly inspections.
The advantage of eliminating the combustion engine is compelling when considering all the associated material and labor costs to maintain it. But remember the opportunity costs as well! Employees can use time saved through fewer inspection and service intervals to perform production tasks and generate revenue.
What would you do if the total cost of ownership on your equipment was reduced by up to 70%?
Whether investing in facilities, equipment, or your people, or simply enjoying improved profitability, it is nice to have options! When electric equipment is competitively priced with ICE powered alternatives the lower operating and maintenance costs could overcome the higher initial purchase of the equipment in 1-1.5 years.
As an example, VOLTEQ’s SKY 1000 lithium-iron powered mini skid steer can range from approximately 7.5% – 24.5%, or $3,900 – $12,500 more in initial purchase price when compared with ICE powered mini track loaders of similar lifting capacity. At the higher end that may seem substantial but this does not account for many standard features on the SKY 1000, such as radio remote control, GPS, telematics, a powerful LED worklight, and loader self-leveling and float functions that may not be on competing machines. But most importantly, the upfront price difference may be recovered quickly and generate attractive profit margins for the remaining years of ownership.
Work when or where others can’t!
With no tailpipe, electric machines can work indoors without concern for exhaust contaminating the air. The equipment is also much quieter, enabling operation with less risk of disturbing near-by residents or businesses. So get more jobs and potentially work earlier or later hours to increase daily production and revenue potential.
Let’s also consider how electric equipment can improve health and safety on job sites by substantially reducing air and noise pollution.
Make job sites more sustainable and safe for workers by eliminating tailpipe emissions.
It is a major benefit and often a requirement when working indoors, but even when working outdoors, emissions can be detrimental to those in or around the equipment. Electric power solves this problem.
Reduce disruptive and potentially harmful noise in the work area.
No tailpipe means no noisy exhaust. No engine means no noise from internal engine components, belts turning pulleys, and high volume air flow from fans. It’s pretty easy to see how the decibel output is greatly reduced on electric machines!
Improve air quality by minimizing air particulates such as dust, powder, or other debris.
Electric machines can be designed with lower volume cooling fans or no fans at all. This reduces or eliminates powerful air flow that can make small particulate matter airborne, affecting air quality in the work area.
In conclusion, electric powered construction equipment offers several advantages over traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) machines, including improved performance, lower maintenance costs, reduced emissions and noise pollution, and increased safety on job sites. While the initial purchase price may be higher for electric machines, the lower operating and maintenance costs can lead to a total cost of ownership reduction of up to 70% over the life of the equipment. With these benefits in mind, it’s worth considering electric equipment for your construction needs.
