Recognizing the need and demand for the development and deployment of off-highway electric vehicles and machinery across industrial sectors, companies have begun rolling these vehicles and machinery off the shelves.
Businesses across the globe are now working to provide innovative, battery-driven, heavy-duty vehicles suited for a variety of duties in heavy-work industries, all while reducing the amount of harmful emissions traditionally associated with this type of work.
Looking to capitalize on the growing trend of off-highway vehicle electrification while aiming to stay ahead of increasingly stringent government environmental regulations, organizations are increasingly adopting electrification.
Besides that, off-highway vehicle electrification is increasing. And all off-highway electric vehicle companies are eager to capitalize on this trend to fuel their business model. With stringent environmental regulations, these electric vehicles are a fantastic option.
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Electric Construction Vehicles, Machinery, and Equipment
Caterpillar
The world’s largest manufacturer of construction equipment, Caterpillar was recently named to USA Today’s inaugural list of America’s Climate Leaders for 2023 due to their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.
In October 2022, the company announced it would be displaying four new electric construction machine prototypes, including Caterpillar battery prototypes. The four electric-powered machines include a 301.9 mini excavator, 320 medium excavator, 950 GC medium wheel loader, and a 906 compact wheel loader. Each machine is powered by Caterpillar battery prototypes and includes an onboard AC charger.
The company has also announced plans to focus on transitioning mining vehicles and equipment to electric power sources.
Volvo
Volvo currently offers the broadest range of electric construction machines in the industry, with five different electric construction machines.
The company recently displayed its fleet of commercial electric solutions, including the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell articulated hauler, to Washington D.C.’s “Celebration of Construction” event.
Komatsu Ltd.
A multinational corporation based in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu has manufactured heavy industry vehicles and machinery across a wide range of industries.
In 2022, they unveiled their 20-ton class all-electric hydraulic excavator - the PC210E.
Companies like Hitachi, and JCB have also showcased prototypes and concept models of electric construction machinery.
Electric Mining Vehicles, Machinery, and Equipment
Hyundai
In 2020 Hyundai expanded its development of electric-powered heavy equipment with the release of its compact electric excavator, the R18E. The company also unveiled a 3.5 ton electric excavator that was developed in collaboration with Cummins.
The company touted the noise reduction capabilities (alongside zero carbon emissions) as one of the notable benefits of electric-powered vehicles.
Electric-powered compact excavators offer a variety of benefits, including zero carbon emissions and quiet operations.
CoolPlanet Group
A subsidiary of Crowley Carbon, CoolPlanet is a company focused on working with some of the world’s biggest companies to decarbonize carbon emissions.
In May 2023, the Irish company announced it had just signed a $50 million contract to convert over 8,500 mining trucks to electric power, with an eventual goal of converting up to 1 million mining trucks to electric power by 2030.
Other companies, such as Epiroc and Sandvik, are also actively involved in the development of electric mining machinery. They have introduced electric-powered drilling rigs, loaders, and haul trucks, aiming to provide sustainable solutions for the mining industry.
Moreover, there are startups and specialized companies focused on electric mining vehicles. For instance, Canada-based company MacLean Engineering specializes in electric and battery-powered equipment for underground mining operations. They offer a range of electric vehicles, including scissor lifts, boom trucks, and utility vehicles.
Electric Agricultural Vehicles, Machinery and Equipment
John Deere
One of the largest agricultural equipment and machinery manufacturers in the world, in their 2022 Sustainability Report, the company laid out sustainability goals for 2026 that include “developing battery power solutions to serve as sole or hybrid propulsion systems for off-highway equipment and vehicles.”
This electrification strategy aims to prioritize the electrification of equipment most impacted by current and anticipated regulatory actions, including equipment that could rely solely on batteries as a primary power source, such as turf equipment, compact utility tractors, small tractors, compact construction equipment, and some road building equipment.
RPM is committed to supporting the development efforts of OHEV manufacturers and developers across the world in their efforts to transition OHEV vehicles and machinery into an electric future.
Visit our website to learn more about how rubber-based noise and vibration solutions can serve as cost-efficient, tested, and proven components in OHEV development.