Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is launching its largest electric excavator yet – the EC230 – in Japan at the Japan CSPI-Expo this month, with the model being the first time that the Swedish equipment giant has electrified a larger excavator.
Having previously concentrated efforts on electrifying its range of smaller equipment, the EC230 Electric marks a notable advance for Volvo CE, the company said in a statement, terming it the “first time” that it has electrified a heavier machine.
The Middle East is also not unfamiliar with the EC230 Electric, with the machine undergoing testing with a UAE-based customer since November 2023, when it was shipped to Dubai along with Volvo CE’s compact electric equipment for trial with a customer in the country.
The EC230 was piloted on a project in China in 2021 ahead of its commercial introduction, which began in North America and select European markets, said Volvo, adding that its launch in Japan marks the first time it is being offered in Asia. The machine will become the largest electric excavator available in the country, Volvo added.
During the two-month pilot project in China, the EC230 Electric worked in real-world applications to gather as much feedback as possible on the product and technology from a customer’s perspective, said the manufacturer.
Volvo CE builds momentum on electric machines
Following last year’s launch of the first Volvo CE electric machines (L25 Electric compact wheel loader and ECR25 Electric compact excavator) in Japan, the company is introducing this third model to the country. The EC230 Electric excavator will be unveiled at the Japan CSPI-Expo ahead of the first units heading to job-sites across the country, marking the first commercial introduction of the EC230 Electric to Asia. The statement from Volvo CE added that the momentum continues to build behind its rollout of electric machines across Asia with the upcoming Japan launch of the EC230 Electric.
Shoji Isamu, Head of Market Japan at Volvo CE, said: “There’s significant customer interest in Japan for electric construction machines that produce zero emissions. The unveiling of the EC230 Electric at CSPI-Expo and the anticipated market launch is a testament to Volvo CE’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. Since we first introduced electric machines to the market in 2023, we’ve been encouraged by the positive feedback from our customers. We are confident that the addition of the EC230 Electric will help us further expand our customer base by providing sustainable options that serve the needs of the Japanese market.”
The EC230 Electric will be commercially available in Japan starting this month, and customer interest in the machine is strong, according to Volvo. Initially, five machines will be available, offered on a rental basis through local dealer Yamazaki Machinery. Two are already slated for long-term rental via Nishio Rent All, and a further unit is scheduled for delivery to a major contractor for work on various projects.
Further discussions on other units are ongoing, said Volvo, adding that Japan is a perfect launchpad for the EC230 Electric as companies continue striving to progress in their sustainability goals. Japan is home to the largest number of Asian companies committed to Science Based Targets Initiatives (SBTIs), with levels on par with markets in North America and Europe.
Advanced technical features
The EC230 Electric leverages the established technology of the regular diesel-powered EC230 Volvo crawler excavator, merging robust power with the added advantages of electrification. Operators of the EC230 Electric will experience reduced noise and vibration, along with heightened hydraulic responsiveness attributable to the electric motor. This contributes to an enhanced working environment inside the cabin or on the job site.
With an operating weight of between 23-26.1 tonne and a bucket capacity of 0.48-1.44 cubic metres, the EC230 has a lifting capacity of 7.56 tonnes. It can also dig to a depth of 6,730mm, with a digging reach of 9,930mm. The machine has a width of 2,990mm with a tail swing radius of up to 2,850mm. The EC230 Electric includes a battery capacity of 264 kWh, 600 V battery voltage, and an indicative runtime of up to five hours, depending on the application.