In many fields, electric or hybrid energy is the future. The definition of electric (or green) energy is broad and varies from industry to industry. For the construction industry, using green energy means using fewer products manufactured with or running on fossil fuel energy.
In the last 10 to 15 years, there has been an effort within the construction industry to produce fewer emissions from earthmoving equipment. These changes have resulted in a reduction of toxic gases.
It’s hard to say how far away we are from an entirely green construction industry. As the years go on, industry advancements continue to be made, signaling that the future of construction equipment, including excavators and wheel loaders, may indeed be electric.
The Push for Change
In recent years, steps have been taken for us to take better care of the Earth. In the construction industry, this effort has manifested into action from companies trying to use more renewable energy, such as electrical power, over fossil fuels. This can be seen in power tools, work trucks and other technologies in the field.
There’s more to it than trying to go green too. Concern for the safety of contractors has led companies to develop zero-emission equipment as emissions in an enclosed space can be detrimental to the operator’s health and safety. Running a machine with zero emissions can help contractors maintain their typical work practices without worrying about their health or safety.
Within the last 20 years, technology has made advancements when it comes to electric motors and, more specifically, in their storage capability. If a manufacturer can store enough electricity to power a machine, they can now design an electric-powered system that provides the same level of performance as a similarly sized diesel-powered machine but without the safety concerns that come with gas-powered tools.
On the Horizon
In the last 8 to 10 years, companies have made plans for green machines and materials in their forecasts. In the past year, we have seen some of these electric machines hit the market.
Several equipment manufacturers displayed prototypes or first-generation electric-powered machines during CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020, specifically with regard to compact equipment such as mini excavators. Why compact equipment? As mentioned earlier, the greatest need for zero-emissions equipment is often indoors or in confined spaces, which lends itself to smaller equipment. Green technology is better suited to smaller equipment at the moment. The larger the equipment, the larger the components needed to make it run. Finding space for electrical storage capacity can be a barrier. This early in the process, it’s logical to begin the electric transition with smaller equipment.
To simplify the transition, the electric iterations need to be as similar to diesel machines as possible.
What Lies Ahead?
There are many possibilities for electric power in the future — and one of the most exciting lies in autonomous operation. Testing has shown that some machines can one day operate completely autonomously. If a machine could self-charge and continue to work without the need for a human interface or the need for a human to fuel the machine, there could be a 24-hour workday on the horizon. In the next 5 to 10 years, it will be possible for customers to choose between a
diesel and an electric-powered mini or compact excavator.
It’s important to remember that diesel prices are not the same everywhere. Diesel prices tend to be lower in North America, so you may see the North American market adapt more slowly to the electric option. No matter where our industry goes, innovation is rapid. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your equipment dealer and ask how their products are evolving. You might be surprised to hear how much change is on the horizon.
