Skanska Completes Pilot Program with Low-Emission Volvo Excavator

Skanska completed a 90-day pilot program using the Volvo EC230 Electric excavator on the Purple (D Line) Extension Transit Project in Los Angeles, at the South Yard of the La Brea station. Skanska’s use of the zero-emissions equipment was among the first to pilot the Volvo excavator in North America.

The goal of the trial was to test the capability of a battery-powered excavator to perform the necessary construction work, particularly in relation to its diesel-powered counterpart. The excavator was used to load trucks of export construction material from a stockpile.

Results of the trial indicate that the Volvo excvacator performed the necessary activities as intended while keeping the pace of work on schedule. The results noted in the initial findings indicate reduced emissions and lowered costs, namely reducing carbon per hour by 66% (34 kilograms) and saving an estimated 74% in cost per hour ($15.15).

“Skanska is proud to be a part of this pilot with Volvo, which can serve as a catalyst for the evolution and adoption of lower emission construction practices,” said Mason Ford, director of sustainability and equipment services for Skanska USA Civil.