Electrification of construction equipment offers multiple benefits

Although the use of battery-powered construction equipment is still rare, it is gaining acceptance in some locations and proving to have multiple benefits.

The machinery is not only non-polluting, but it is also considerably less disruptive than standard diesel-powered equipment. Electrification is expected to reduce emissions, noise pollution, and public health risks, and could lead to less costly development and increased public acceptance of construction projects, according to a Bloomberg report. The advantages are especially notable in urban areas.

Electric excavators operate quietly with no need for warm-up time and provide vibration-free performance. In Oslo, Norway, electric equipment was used to dig up a street next to a busy cafe. After the work was completed, baristas said that not only had the work not bothered customers, but workers were also not even aware that the construction had taken place.

Oslo has been a leader in electrification, having launched the world’s first zero-emission construction site in 2019. The city aims for 100% emissions-free construction sites by year-end.

There are challenges to reaching widespread adoption across the industry, though. Electric equipment typically costs more, but some money can be recouped through lower energy costs. Battery life and charging times can also be drawbacks, but manufacturers are making technological improvements.