Volvo CE Unveils Mid-Size Electric Powerhouses in North America
Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has taken a bold leap into the future by debuting its first mid-size electric machines in North America. Showcased at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Anaheim, California, the new EC230 Electric excavator and the L120 Electric wheel loader mark a pivotal moment for sustainable construction equipment.
These aren’t just small tweaks on existing models. They represent a significant shift in how the industry approaches power, performance, and environmental impact. Volvo CE is already well-known for its fleet of compact electric machines, including mini excavators and compact loaders, but this move into the mid-size category means business. It brings electrification to a wider range of applications and proves the tech is more than ready for the big stage.
EC230 Electric
Leading the charge is the EC230 Electric excavator, now officially available for order. This 23-ton machine isn’t just an eco-friendly novelty; it’s a full-on workhorse designed to handle demanding excavation work without the emissions or the noise.
What’s under the hood? A powerful 650-volt lithium-ion battery with a massive 450 kWh capacity. That’s enough to keep the EC230 running for 7 to 8 hours on a single charge under typical conditions. Even better, it supports ultra-fast charging: with a 250-kW charger, you can go from 20% to 80% in just one hour.
Dr. Ray Gallant, Vice President of Sustainability and Productivity Services at Volvo CE, summed it up: “Electric construction equipment is still in its early stages of adoption, and the changes are coming fast as we move into new product types and size classes. The EC230 and L120 electric models give our customers options for applications that require larger machines while delivering the benefits of zero emissions, reduced noise and less machine maintenance.”
But that’s not all. The EC230 is part of a new generation of excavators launched by Volvo CE in 2024. That means it comes loaded with upgrades:
- A completely redesigned cab for better comfort and usability
- An intelligent electro-hydraulic system that delivers smooth, pinpoint-accurate movements
- Volvo Smart View with People and Obstacle Classification, offering 360-degree awareness and improved safety
This machine isn’t just electric — it’s smart, safe, and ready for real work.
L120 Electric Wheel Loader
While the EC230 takes care of digging, the new L120 Electric wheel loader handles the heavy lifting. This 22-ton beast has a lifting capacity of 6 tons and a 5 yd³ rehandling bucket, making it a one-for-one replacement of its diesel-powered predecessor — but with all the perks of electric.
It’s still in pilot testing, but early signs are promising. Orders are expected to open in late 2025, with deliveries rolling out in early 2026. Once it’s widely available, the L120 Electric will be ideal for sectors like:
- Infrastructure projects
- Waste and recycling operations
- Agriculture and forestry
- Ports and logistics hubs
Its 282-kWh battery offers a runtime of 5 to 9 hours depending on usage, and flexible charging options make it a practical choice for varied work environments:
- 50-kW DC mobile charger: full charge in ~6 hours
- 150-kW DC fast charger: full charge in ~2 hours
The ability to charge quickly and run all day without emissions makes this machine a game-changer for companies serious about cutting carbon without compromising on capability.
Dr. Ray Gallant shares Volvo CE e-mobility updates near the EC230 Electric excavator at the Volvo Group press event at ACT Expo.
A Unified Front on Clean Power
One of the more intriguing aspects of Volvo CE’s announcement is how tightly integrated it is with the broader Volvo Group strategy. The ACT Expo typically centres around on-road transport, and Volvo CE was joined this year by its sibling brands: Volvo Trucks, Mack Trucks, Volvo Penta and Volvo Autonomous Solutions.
At a joint news conference, the group showcased how cross-collaboration is fuelling the evolution of clean power across all transport sectors.
“We collaborate across Volvo Group on sustainable power and share learnings with each other,” said Dr. Gallant. “Those insights influence our engineering, help advance charging and much more — ultimately benefiting all of our customers and pushing our industries forward.”
This kind of cross-pollination is helping speed up the development of infrastructure, battery systems, and even autonomy, creating an ecosystem that supports long-term e-mobility.
Tackling Industry Challenges Head-On
Electric machines still face hurdles — namely cost, charging infrastructure, and cultural inertia within the industry. But with heavy hitters like Volvo CE committing to innovation and collaboration, these barriers are being steadily dismantled.
Governments in North America are also stepping up with incentives, grants, and infrastructure plans to support the transition. California, for example, offers substantial rebates for electric off-road equipment, which could make machines like the EC230 and L120 even more appealing to contractors.
Plus, the operational savings are real. No fuel costs. Less downtime. Lower maintenance. Over the lifetime of the equipment, those benefits add up quickly.
Bridging the Gap
For fleet managers and construction firms weighing their next equipment purchase, the message from Volvo CE is clear: the future is electric, and it’s already here.
These mid-size machines bridge the gap between compact urban gear and full-scale earthmovers, delivering the performance professionals expect while meeting modern environmental standards.
The move isn’t just about ticking ESG boxes. It’s about smarter business. More efficient operations. And a healthier planet.
A New Era Dawns for Construction Equipment
Volvo CE’s unveiling of the EC230 and L120 Electric models isn’t just a product announcement. It’s a declaration. As the first major manufacturer to offer mid-size electric machines on a commercial scale in North America, Volvo CE is setting the pace.
For an industry often slow to change, this is a moment to pay attention. These machines aren’t prototypes or pipe dreams — they’re working solutions for today’s challenges, wrapped in cutting-edge design and built with tomorrow in mind.
With charging infrastructure improving, regulations evolving, and public pressure mounting, the switch to electric is not only inevitable — it’s accelerating. And for those ready to jump on board, Volvo CE is offering the keys.
