Volvo Construction Equipment has inaugurated a $21.9m testing facility in Eskilstuna, Sweden rigged up to support the development of the electromobility drivelines for the concept LX1 electric wheel loader and LX1 driverless electric hauler unveiled at Volvo’s Xploration Forum last year.
While the building is equipped with test rigs for both electric and conventional drivelines, one rig is designed to allow each of a machine’s wheels to be controlled and measured independently – as they function in a modular electromobility driveline – in a possible first in the industry.
“This test facility will support Volvo on its journey towards electromobility,” says Peter Österberg, VP of core technologies at Volvo CE. “Without it, we wouldn’t be able to move forward and test concepts like the LX1 electric hybrid wheel loader and autonomous, battery-electric, load carrier.
“The new facilities will help build the knowledge and competence of our engineers. They will further reinforce Eskilstuna’s position as an engineering center of excellence for driveline development.”
The 4,400m2 facility is due to commence operations in two weeks, when the first projects will enter the facility and have their drivelines connected up to the testing rigs.
