Skanska Pilots Electric Excavator on LA Metro Transit Project

Skanska, a leading construction and development firm, is piloting a zero-emissions electric excavator on Los Angeles Metro’s Purple (D Line) Extension Transit Project. The Volvo EC230 is the largest electric excavator of its kind, and it is designed to have the same capabilities as a diesel excavator. Because it is powered by batteries, not an engine, using the Volvo EC230 will lower emissions on the job site and reduce noise during construction, according to Skanska. 

Skanska is replacing the current diesel-powered Komatsu PC228 excavator with the Volvo EC230 to load trucks of export material from a stockpile at the South Yard of the La Brea Station. The goal of this 90-day trial, one of four pilot programs in North America, is to test the success of an electric excavator of this size on a significant megaproject like the Purple (D Line) Extension Transit Project.

“The construction industry is responsible for 40% of energy-related carbon emissions,” said James Bailey, EVP of Skanska USA Civil. “Our goal at Skanska is to continue to be a thought leader in sustainable solutions for the construction industry. We have worked with innovation leaders and partners – like LA Metro, Sunbelt and Volvo – to share knowledge and resources as we work toward net-zero solutions.”