More and more companies are switching their traditional diesel-powered construction machinery to either hybrid or completely electric. Governments around the world are pushing construction companies to improve their environmental impact. With this Government pressure many companies such as Ausa, Bomag, Doosan Bobcat, JCB and many others have introduced electric or hybrid machines. Studies have shown on Equipment World, the electric construction equipment market is forecast to grow to $24.8 billion by 2027 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22%. Additional studies have pushed the number as high as $42.4 billion by 2030.
According to Intelligent Living, Building and Construction combined are responsible for 39% of all carbon emissions worldwide. With such a high figure, companies are expected to come up with a contingency plan and introduce more hybrid and electric machines to their collection to reduce their carbon footprint.
Intelligent Living also cited WorldGBC, which reported a new bold plan of action that many governments around the world will enforce:
By 2030, all new buildings, infrastructure and renovations will have at least 40% less embodied carbon with significant upfront carbon reduction, and all new buildings are net zero operational carbon.
By 2050, new buildings, infrastructure and renovations will have net zero embodied carbon, and all buildings, including existing buildings must be net zero operational carbon.
The Benefits and Challenges of zero emissions machines
Benefits of zero emission machines
Low operating costs
Reduced service and maintenance costs
Quite – Reduced noise pollution
Can be used during noise-regulated times of the day
Can continuously operate without needing to be refuelled
Better for the environment – Reduced carbon footprint
No air pollution
Sustainable energy used
Ahead of Government emission regulations
Has the same amount of power as a regular diesel-powered machine
Challenges of zero emission machines
Electric construction machines are limited by their battery range and may require downtime for recharging
Electric construction machines can have higher upfront costs compared to diesel machines
Adequate charging infrastructure needs to be in place to support the widespread adoption of electric construction machines
Operators and maintenance personnel need to be trained to work with electric machines
Some heavy-duty construction tasks may require high power outputs that current electric technology might struggle to provide. However, advancements are being made in this area as well
Summary
Despite challenges like upfront costs, limited range, and charging infrastructure, the numerous advantages of electric construction machines, including their positive impact on the environment, cost savings, and technological progress, make them an increasingly attractive choice for the construction industry’s future.
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