Volvo Construction Equipment introduced two new electric machines to the North American market at this year’s Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Anaheim, California. The event marked the tradeshow debut of the L120 Electric wheel loader and the unveiling of an upgraded EC230 Electric excavator.
These two machines represent Volvo CE’s expansion into mid-size battery-electric equipment, joining its existing lineup of compact electric models. The move brings electric options to applications that require larger equipment, such as infrastructure development, material handling, and waste management.
EC230 Electric Excavator Now Available
The EC230 Electric excavator is the first electric model in Volvo’s newly updated excavator series. It features a 650-volt lithium-ion battery with a 450 kWh capacity, offering an estimated runtime of 7–8 hours on a single charge in typical general-purpose applications. Fast-charging support allows a 20% to 80% charge in about one hour using a 250 kW charger.
The updated machine also includes:
- A redesigned cab with increased comfort and space
- An intelligent electro-hydraulic system for improved precision
- Enhanced safety features, including Volvo Smart View with 360-degree visibility and object/person recognition
L120 Electric Wheel Loader in Pilot Testing
The L120 Electric wheel loader, currently in pilot testing with select customers, is expected to be available for order in late 2025 with initial deliveries in early 2026. This 22-ton loader has a 6-ton lifting capacity and supports a 5 cubic yard rehandling bucket, offering performance comparable to its diesel-powered equivalent.
Battery capacity is rated at 282 kWh, with a runtime ranging from 5 to 9 hours depending on the workload. Charging options include:
- A 50 kW DC mobile charger (approx. 6-hour charge time)
- A 150 kW DC fast charger (approx. 2-hour charge time)
Cross-Brand Collaboration
The announcement was part of a joint presentation with other Volvo Group brands, including Volvo Trucks, Mack Trucks, Volvo Penta, and Volvo Autonomous Solutions. Company leaders highlighted ongoing collaboration across the group on electric power and infrastructure development, aimed at accelerating the broader adoption of zero-emission technologies across industries.
Volvo CE’s latest mid-size additions reflect an industry-wide push toward electrification, as manufacturers and contractors explore options that reduce emissions while maintaining operational performance.
