Volvo Construction Equipment (CE) is showing off the versatility of its L20 Electric Compact Wheel Loader in New Zealand, where it is being road-tested, or perhaps more accurately, off-road tested, at Intelligro, a landscape equipment manufacturer located in Rolleston, near Christchurch.

Intelligro specializes in manufacturing media, mulches, sands and soil mixes for residential and commercial customers, and has 16 loaders on site. When one of the company’s 16 loaders—all of which were powered by internal combustion engines—broke down, the company availed itself of the opportunity to test-drive the Volvo CE zero-exhaust loader, which was made available by a local dealer, TDX, putting the Volvo machine to work in its retail yard.

The company’s employees noted there were benefits to the near-silent loader in comparison to the noisy ICE models for themselves and customers. They also observed that the Volvo emits zero emissions and that, for the driver, there are almost zero vibrations.

“The trial of the Volvo L20 Electric wheel loader at Intelligro is important to show the significant role our electric machines can play in the landscaping sector—an industry that is all about creating and enhancing beautiful environments from the ground up,” said Bertrand Collette, Head of Market Area Oceania at Volvo CE.

A key issue with any electric vehicle is charging, and the Intelligro employees found that, in day-to-day operations, the L20 can operate for six hours before needing a charge. This makes it convenient for the loader to be charged at night when not needed.  

Source: Volvo CE